The Research and Grant Institute of Ghana (ReGIG) is contributing to healthcare system strengthening by building the capacity of healthcare professionals to integrate mental health services into primary and community care of persons with skin-NTDs and related conditions, with funding from Fundación Anesvad
Healthcare system strengthening is a deliberate strategy to empower healthcare professionals and key stakeholders to respond to the dynamic (health) needs of patients and others. A total of 30 healthcare professionals, comprising nurses, community health workers, disease control officers, physician assistants and medical officers were trained on screening, provision of mental health support and mental health referral system.
The training was held at Nkwanta South, Oti region, facilitated by Dr. Gladys Setordzi from the University of Ghana, Dr. Kyere-Kusi from Ghana Health Service and Dr. Samuel Adjorlolo, from ReGIG and University of Ghana.
The training workshop employed various delivery mode, including hands-on-practice and simulation. This was intended to enable the participants to gain mastery over the training areas. The participants rated the training workshop favorably, registering over 50% increase in their knowledge and skills to provide mental health services as part of primary healthcare services.