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Background <p>Mental health and psychosocial well-being remain critically underprioritized in Central Africa, a region characterized by persistent conflict, displacement, poverty, and fragile health systems. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs across Central Africa, identifies gaps, and informs policy directions.</p> Methods <p>A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted (January 2010–December 2025) using keywords related to mental health, psychosocial support, and Central African countries. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively.</p> Results <p>The literature reveals consistently elevated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (&gt; 30% among internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of Congo), depression, and anxiety among conflict-affected populations. Mental health services remain grossly inadequate, concentrated in urban areas, underfunded, and poorly integrated into primary healthcare. Key barriers include insufficient infrastructure, scarcity of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, and logistical challenges. Community-based and task-shifting approaches demonstrate promise, yet sustainability remains constrained. Cultural contexts significantly influence help-seeking behaviors.</p> Conclusion <p>Addressing MHPSS needs in Central Africa requires multi-sectoral strategies that integrate mental health into broader public health agendas, strengthen community-based interventions, build local capacity, and foster partnerships. Context-specific research and policy reforms are essential.</p>

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A review of mental health and psychosocial support needs in Central Africa with emphasis on service gaps and opportunities for action

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月17日

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  • Elvis Tajoache Amin,
  • Prudence Tatiana Nti Mvilongo,
  • Asonglefac Bonita Fonkem,
  • Charles Njumkeng,
  • Patrick Achiangia Njukeng

摘要

Background

Mental health and psychosocial well-being remain critically underprioritized in Central Africa, a region characterized by persistent conflict, displacement, poverty, and fragile health systems. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) needs across Central Africa, identifies gaps, and informs policy directions.

Methods

A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar was conducted (January 2010–December 2025) using keywords related to mental health, psychosocial support, and Central African countries. Nine articles met the inclusion criteria and were synthesized narratively.

Results

The literature reveals consistently elevated prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (> 30% among internally displaced persons in the Democratic Republic of Congo), depression, and anxiety among conflict-affected populations. Mental health services remain grossly inadequate, concentrated in urban areas, underfunded, and poorly integrated into primary healthcare. Key barriers include insufficient infrastructure, scarcity of trained professionals, pervasive stigma, and logistical challenges. Community-based and task-shifting approaches demonstrate promise, yet sustainability remains constrained. Cultural contexts significantly influence help-seeking behaviors.

Conclusion

Addressing MHPSS needs in Central Africa requires multi-sectoral strategies that integrate mental health into broader public health agendas, strengthen community-based interventions, build local capacity, and foster partnerships. Context-specific research and policy reforms are essential.