Mental health problems in a population without a previous modern psychiatric care system

Despite the recognized role of traditional healers in helping patients with mental health problems, there is a need for modern mental healthcare facil ities in Africa. When made available, these are used by the local populatio n, but less by those at remote locations. Data from the SOSAME centre indic ate the high prevalence of mental diseases, especially in urban population and during the active decades of life. To decrease the burden imposed on me ntal health institutions by patients consulting for non-mental problems, it is desirable to integrate these institutions with the other components of the healthcare system.