Innovation details
New curricula and innovative delivery
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Developing and training two new types of mental health worker to provide culturally-appropriate treatment for mental disorders
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A national training centre supported by regional ‘hub and spoke’ training centres to provide professional placements including remote learning through social media for students and graduates
New cadres of workers
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Community mental health officers receive one year training and are able to detect mental illness, provide ongoing help and support to patients and their families, and raise community awareness to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness
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Clinical psychiatric officers receive two years training and are able to diagnose mental illness and prescribe medication (supervised by Ghana’s small number of psychiatrists)
Ongoing Support
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Building professional networks and offering ongoing professional development to support and retain the new workforce
Collaboration
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Community mental health workers collaborate with traditional healers and church groups to build relationships and demonstrate the effectiveness of their approach