Sustainable Development Global Mental Health

Sustainable Development Global Mental Health

2019

Full title: Sustainable development for global mental health: a typology and systematic evidence mapping of external actors in low-income and middle-income countries

Authors: Valentina Lemmi [​London School of Economics and Political Science​]

Summary: A large ecosystem of external actors for mental disorders already exists presenting opportunities for unlocking additional resources, though coordination of efforts is crucial, and the use of a sustainable and ethical approach is a moral imperative. Further research is needed to understand all external actors and the allocation of their contributions in different settings


Abstract

Introduction 

Mental disorders account for a substantial burden of disease and costs in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs), but attract few resources. With LMIC governments often under economic pressure, an understanding of the external funding landscape is urgently needed. This study develops a new typology of external actors in global health adapted for the sustainable development goals (SDGs) era and uses it to systematically map available evidence on external actors in global mental health.

Methods 

The new typology was developed in line with conceptualisation in the literature and the SDGs to include 11 types of external actors for health in LMICs. Five databases (EconLit, Embase, Global Health, MEDLINE, PsycINFO) were searched for manuscripts published in peer-reviewed journals in English, French, Italian, Portuguese or Spanish between 1 January 2000 and 31 July 2018 and reporting information on external actors for mental disorders in LMICs. Records were screened by abstract, then full-text against inclusion criteria. Data were extracted and synthesised using narrative analysis.

Results 

79 studies were included in the final review. Five were quantitative studies analysing the resource flow of development assistance for mental health globally over the last two decades. The remainder were qualitative studies providing a description of external actors: the majority of them were published in the last decade, focused on Africa, and on public sector (bilateral and multilateral governmental organisations) and third sector organisations (non-governmental organisations). Evidence was particularly scarce for for-profit organisations and individual households.

Conclusion 

This study reveals opportunities for unlocking additional funding for global mental health in the SDG-era from an ecosystem of external actors, and highlights the need to coordinate efforts and to use sustainable, ethical approaches to disbursements. Further research is needed to understand all external actors and the allocation of their contributions in different settings.

Details

Type
Research summaries and systematic reviews
Approach(es)
Training, education and capacity building
Disorder(s)
All mental health conditions
Population(s)
Adults