Cost of scaling up mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.
Abstract
Background: No systematic attempt has been made to calculate the costs of scaling up mental health services in low- and middle-income countries.
Aims: To estimate the expenditures needed to scale up the delivery of an essential mental healthcare package over a 10-year period (2006-2015).
Method: A core package was defined, comprising pharmacological and/or psychosocial treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and hazardous alcohol use. Current service levels in 12 selected low- and middle-income countries were established using the WHO-AIMS assessment tool. Target-level resource needs were derived from published need assessments and economic evaluations.
Results: The cost per capita of providing the core package at target coverage levels (in US dollars) ranged from $1.85 to $2.60 $2.60 per year in low-income countries and $3.20 to $6.25 per year in lower-middle-income countries, an additional annual investment of $0.18-0.55 per capita.
Conclusions: Although significant new resources need to be invested, the absolute amount is not large when considered at the population level and against other health investment strategies.
Citation
Chisholm, D.; Lund, C.; Saxena, S. Cost of scaling up mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries. British Journal of Psychiatry (2007) 191 (6) 528-535. [DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.107.038463]
Links
Cost of scaling up mental healthcare in low- and middle-income countries.