By East Africa Journal Reporter
As the world marks Mental Health Awareness Month, attention to psychological well-being has become increasingly urgent across Africa. In 2025, the World Health Organization estimated that nearly 150 million people on the continent are living with mental health conditions, underscoring the growing scale of the crisis.
Despite the rising burden, access to mental health services remains limited. A 2025 UNICEF regional analysis found that Africa has only about 1.4 mental health workers for every 100,000 people, far below the global average of roughly 9 per 100,000. This shortage continues to hinder early diagnosis, treatment, and long-term support for millions across the continent.
Suicide also remains a major concern, ranking among the leading causes of death worldwide among young people aged 15 to 29. These trends highlight the urgent need for accessible, effective, and compassionate mental health care systems.
In response to these challenges, St. George’s University School of Medicine is emphasizing the importance of medical education in equipping future physicians with the skills needed to address mental health concerns through psychiatry training and patient-centered care.
The university says its psychiatry curriculum encourages students to engage with patients with empathy and respect while recognizing the importance of understanding each individual’s experience.
“Psychiatry reminds us that medicine is not only about treating disease, but about understanding people,” said Dr. Elizabeth Ryznar.
“The most important humanistic lesson I impart to my students is that we are all humans, all worthy of the same dignity.
Unfortunately, we still encounter stigma against psychiatric patients within the healthcare system and our broader society, and we need to remember that every person is doing the best they can.
The empathy and communication skills you can practice in your psychiatric rotation will make a big difference in whatever area of medicine you choose to practice in,” she added.
For African students interested in specializing in psychiatry, SGU highlights several potential focus areas, including care for specific patient populations defined by diagnosis, cultural background, or forensic considerations. Students may also explore treatment approaches such as psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and interventional psychiatry, as well as work in different healthcare settings including inpatient and outpatient facilities, residential programs, partial hospitalization programs, and emergency departments.
Beyond academic instruction, SGU says it also prioritizes student well-being through initiatives that encourage balanced schedules, strong peer and mentorship support systems, participation in hobbies outside academics, and seeking help when needed.
Through its MD programs, SGU aims to prepare graduates with both strong clinical skills and a patient-centered approach to care. As Mental Health Awareness Month is observed globally, the university says it remains committed to training doctors capable of addressing evolving mental health needs with professionalism, compassion, and empathy.
For more information about SGU School of Medicine programs and study tracks, visit sgu.edu
