Shayni Geffen, SAFMH’s Project Leader: Advocacy and Awareness, authored the editorial in The South Africa Depression and Anxiety Group’s (SADAG) latest Mental Health Matters magazine. In the editorial Shayni unpacks what Universal Health Coverage means and shares some concerns about the NHI Bill in relation to mental health service coverage.
We want to see the right to health – including mental health – realised for all in South Africa. This means supporting Universal Health Coverage (UHC). However, our concerns with NHI Bill remain. While debates around the NHI will continue and perhaps even intensify in the lead up to the 2024 elections, this should not stunt the immediate implementation of known, uncontroversial, rights-based and evidence-based actions desperately needed to improve health system performance.” – Shayni reflected
This editorial speaks to our 2023 World Mental Health Day campaign; Universal Mental Health coverage for all in South Africa. Throughout October we continue to advocate for evidence-based, cost-effective mental health services, like those outlined in the Mental Health Policy Framework 2023 – 2028, which can be implemented today to improve the mental wellbeing of all in South Africa.
You can read more about our campaign here.
