World Health Organization, Eritrea, International Model United Nations 57.

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Position Paper by Arifah Afkar Fadilah

BUILDING ERITREAN’S MENTAL HEALTH IN THE MILLENNIAL PERSPECTIVE

a). Introduction and the Country’s Stance

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 [1],[2]. 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 [3]. In general, the health system in Africa has not adequately addressed,
the burden of mental disorders and treatment disparities occurred [4],[5]. This is
exacerbated by ignorance about the phenomenon of mental health problems, stigma in
society, and discrimination against people suffering from mental illnesses[6],[5]. The
following will describe the mental health problems in Eritrea and their solutions from a
millennial perspective.

b) Eritrea 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% [7]. 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 [8] 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 [9]. Socio-political factors in Eritrea have caused various
stressors related to mental illness [10], 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) The UN and Other International Organizations Doing in Connection with The Topic
Since gaining independence in 1991, Eritrea supported by the United Nations has made
strong efforts in the health sector, including increasing life expectancy, preventing maternal
and infant mortality, increasing immunization coverage, and controlling infectious diseases
[11]. However, apart from health problems, Eritrea has also faced some very serious
challenges, for example, regional conflicts, poverty, low education, low agricultural
 World Health Organization, Eritrea, International Model United Nations 57.0
Position Paper by Arifah Afkar Fadilah

productivity due to drought, low food security, and a lack of well-educated professionals
[12].

d) Possible Solutions
To overcome this mental health problem, a new paradigm is needed, it namely as Building
Eritrea's Mental Health in a Millennial Perspective, where millennials of productive age must
be actively involved in developing the mental health program of their country [13]. 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 who becoming a
role models or idol figures. It included in the entertainment world in Eritrea or developed
countries outside Eritrea. Third, mental health promotion programs through social media
networks in which interesting 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 and
promotion program by developed countries 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.
Reference.

1. Gureje O, Alem A. (2000) Mental Health Policy Development in Africa. Bull World Health Organ;78:475-82. 
2. World Health Organization. Mental Health: Strengthening Our Response. Available: https://www.who.int/news-
room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response. 2018. Accessed: 13 May 2021.
3. Sankoh O, Sevalie S, Weston M. Mental Health in Africa. Lancet Global Health. 2018;6:e954-5. 10.1016/S2214-
109X(18)30303-6
4. Burns JK. The Mental Health Gap in South Africa A Human Rights Issue. The Equal Rights Review. 2011;6:99-114. 
5. Kapungwe A, Cooper S, Mwanza J, Mwape L, Sikwese S, Kakuma R, et al.(2010) Mental Illness Stigma and
Discrimination in Zambia. Afr Journal of Psychiatry (Johannesbg);13:192-203.
6. Kakuma, R., Kleintjes, S., Lund, C., & Drew, N. Green, a, & Flisher, a J.(2010). Mental Health Stigma;116-124.
7. Eritrea, M. D. G. (2014). Health millennium development goals report: Innovations driving health MDGs in Eritrea.
8. World Health Organization. (2016) Country Cooperation Strategy: At a Glance Eritrea. Geneva: World Health
Organization.
9. World Health Organization. World Health Statistics Data Visualisation Dashboard.
Available: http://apps.who.int/gho/data/. Accessed: 15 May 2021.
10. Amahazion, F. (2021). Mental health in Eritrea: A brief overview and possible steps forward. Journal of Global
Health, 11.
11. World Health Organization. (2018). WHO country cooperation strategy at a glance: Eritrea (No.
WHO/CCU/18.02/Eritrea). World Health Organization.
12. The World Bank Group. Eritrea Overview: Context, Strategy, Results, Partners.
Available: www.worldbank.org./en/country/eritrea/overview. Updated April 2018. Accessed 13 May 2021
13. Muzik, M., Kirk, R., Alfafara, E., Jonika, J., & Waddell, R. (2016). Teenage mothers of black want access to a range
of mental and physical health support: a participatory research approach. Health Expectations, 19(2), 403-415.