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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