Introduction

Mental health is an important component of health systems around the world. The global burden of
mental disorders in various countries has increased. The burden of mental disorders has an impact
on the social, human rights, productivity, quality of life, and economy of a country (Gureje & Alem,
2000); (World Health Organization, 2019). Despite its enormous importance, mental health has
historically been neglected and has not become an important priority in Health policy and
development in Africa. In addition, there are very few research results on mental health problems in
Africa (Sankoh, Sevalie & Westo, 2018). In general, the health system in Africa has not adequately
addressed the burden of mental disorders and treatment disparities that occur (Burns JK. 2011);
(Kapungwe A, et al, 2010). This is exacerbated by ignorance about the phenomenon of mental health
problems, stigma in society, and discrimination against people suffering from mental illnesses
(Kakuma R, et al 2010); Kapungwe A, et al (2010). The following will describe mental health
problems in Eritrea and their solutions from a millennial perspective.

b) What is your allocated country doing regarding the topic?

Eritrea is a developing country in Northeast Africa, mental health in this country is an increasing
problem. The frequency of mental health problems in Eritrea continues to increase. This mental
illness is one of the main causes of disability, comorbidity, and death. A mental health survey in
Eritrea in 2014 reported that the prevalence of mental disorders in Eritrea was around 14.5% (Eritrea
Ministry of Health, 2014). About 4.3% of the population in Eritrea has experienced depression and
anxiety. In addition, there are various mental problems such as bipolar affective disorder, stress,
psychosomatic problems, neurotics, epilepsy, and dementia. Another important problem is that
approximately 30-40,000 children and adolescents are estimated to have intellectual disabilities
when compared to other adolescents in developed countries. The mental breakdown has caused
huge losses in Eritrea. The burden caused by mental disorders throughout a person's life span is
around 3000 per 100,000 population. Mental disorders also contribute to premature death;
depression and suicide. World Health Organization, (2016) has reported that around 393 residents in
Eritrea died due to suicide. This threatens human resources and the high burden on the government
in handling health problems. This condition is exacerbated by the lack of skills in the community. In
addition, due to the low number of professionals in the mental health sector, many mental disorders
are undetected or misdiagnosed (World Health Organization, 2020). Socio-political factors in Eritrea
have caused various stressors related to mental illness. For example, war conflicts between tribes,
regional instability, displacement that results in depression, and Post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD). This is exacerbated by poverty, unemployment, and the burden on society as a single parent.

c) What are UN and other international organizations doing regarding the topic?

Since gaining independence in 1991, Eritrea has made strong efforts in the health sector, including
increasing life expectancy, preventing maternal and infant mortality, increasing immunization
coverage and controlling infectious diseases (World Health Organization, 2017). However, apart
from health problems, Eritrea has also faced some very serious challenges, for example, regional
conflicts, poverty, low education, low agricultural productivity due to drought, low food security, and
a lack of well-educated professionals (The World Bank Group, 2019).

d) Possible solutions

To overcome this mental health problem, a new paradigm is needed, namely Building Eritrea's
Mental Health in a Millineal Perspective, where millennials of productive age must be actively
involved in developing the mental health of their country. Six strategies can be developed. First,
education and training for young people to increase self-awareness in building a positive self-
concept. Second, the importance of building a network of partnerships in mental health investment
with successful young artists becoming role models or idol figures in the entertainment world in
Eritrea or developed countries outside Eritrea. Third, mental health promotion programs through
social media networks are of interest to young people. Fourth, open dialogue between millennials
and decision-makers, politicians, and important government officials, especially those concerning
mental health issues. Fifth, the grant program for mental health books in developed countries is to
Eritrea, especially in developed countries that have switched to a digital library. Finally, the cross-
cultural exchange program, in which outstanding young people in Eritrea take online short courses in
developed countries concerning the mental resilience of their nation.

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