Global mental health

Transformative capacity building in Nicaragua

Datos Bibliográficos

ID19529338
AutoresJaime C Sapag (0000-0003-2227-8233, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, autor de correspondencia), Andrés Herrera (National Autonomous University of Nicaragua), Ruth Trainor (0009-0007-4051-2130, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health), Trinidad Caldera (National Autonomous University of Nicaragua), Akwatu Khenti (0000-0001-5423-6535, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health)
Año2013
Volumen6
Número1
Páginas21328
Fecha de publicación2013-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaGlobal Health Action (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1654-9716 • E-ISSN: 1654-9880
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.3402/gha.v6i0.21328
PMID24088364
OpenAlexW2027783100
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas3
Referencias citadas30

BACKGROUND: Mental health is increasingly recognised as integral to good public health, but this area continues to lack sufficient planning, resources, and global strategy. It is a pressing concern in Latin America, where social determinants of health aggravate existing inequities in access to health services. Nicaragua faces serious mental health needs and challenges. One key strategy for addressing gaps in mental health services is building capacity at the primary healthcare and system levels. OBJECTIVE: Using the framework of best practice literature, this article analyses the four-year collaborative process between the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua in León (UNAN-León) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Canada, which is aimed at improving mental healthcare in Nicaragua. DESIGN: Based on a critical analysis of evaluation reports, key documents, and discussion among partners, the central steps of the collaboration are analysed and main successes and challenges identified. RESULTS: A participatory needs assessment identified local strengths and weaknesses, expected outcomes regarding competencies, and possible methodologies and recommendations for the development of a comprehensive capacity-building programme. The partners delivered two international workshops on mental health and addiction with an emphasis on primary healthcare. More recently, an innovative Diploma and Master programme was launched to foster interprofessional leadership and effective action to address mental health and addiction needs. Collaborative activities have taken place in Nicaragua and Canada. DISCUSSION: To date, international collaboration between Nicaragua and CAMH has been successful in achieving the jointly defined goals. The process has led to mutual knowledge sharing, strong networking, and extensive educational opportunities. Evidence of effective and respectful global health capacity building is provided. Lessons learned and implications for global health action are identified and discussed

Capacity building · Economic growth · Mental health · Participatory action research · Political science · Psychiatry · Public health · Public relations · Community Health and Development · Global Health and Surgery · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Nursing