1078-Senegal-Situational assessment of mental health services in Senegal

Mental health in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including Senegal, presents a public health challenge, with a high burden of mental illnesses. There is a significant gap in the availability of services to provide adequate care, and minimal resources are allocated to address this issue. Mental health services in Senegal are largely concentrated in urban centers, leaving rural populations underserved. Moreover, there is a critical shortage of specialized providers, and many communities continue to experience significant barriers in accessing care due to socio-economic disparities and stigma. Underlying this is a lack of data to understand the prevalence of mental health conditions, making it challenging to plan and implement effective programs. The above illustrates the importance of accurate and comprehensive data to understand the extent of mental illnesses and to appropriately address the increasing needs of the population. To address these challenges, a situational analysis of the mental health landscape in Senegal will be conducted in a collaboration between Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and ENDA Santé. This analysis will provide an evidence-based foundation for the development of targeted interventions and programs to improve mental health services, particularly for vulnerable populations. More specifically, this project aims to understand the gaps in existing mental health services, needs of the community, and current barriers to seeking care. The deliverable at the end of this placement is a report that includes recommendations for the implementation of mental health interventions in key areas identified in collaboration with ENDA Santé. 4 activities will be done to create this report. (1) A thorough review of both peer-reviewed and grey literature will be conducted to gather epidemiological data and analyze existing policies and laws related to mental health in Senegal. (2) To build on this, interviews with key informants will be done to gain diverse perspectives on mental health in Senegal. These key informants will include clients and providers of mental health services, members of governmental bodies such as policy leaders, and members of non-governmental organizations such as community leaders. (3) A comprehensive mapping exercise will identify available mental health services across Senegal, including an assessment of the staffing levels. (4) Finally, an analysis of current mental health programs and interventions will be done to help identify gaps in service provision and areas where new initiatives could be implemented The activities of this practicum will be essential for guiding future planning, program development, and policy advocacy to improve mental health services and outcomes for vulnerable populations in Senegal. 

This project offers an intersection of professional and academic opportunities that include epidemiological and mapping methods driving evidence-based public health programming in a lower-middle income country. The student will work collaboratively with JHSPH faculty and team members based in Baltimore and Dakar as well as Enda Santé which is the primary in-country collaborating organization to ensure the successful conduct of the research project. The student will participate in a variety of activities including participating to data collection, support regular data management and analysis, develop study tools and research team training materials; receive mentorship and develop reports and presentations. However, most importantly, the student will engage with various partners from the government and civil society, and participate in meetings while supporting the implementation of the work in Senegal. Working in the field with local counterparts gives the applicant the opportunity to observe the implementation of a research project, and critically analyze how they would design future projects. The ability to apply academic theory that the applicant is learning in public health classes, to the practical application of developing evidence-based projects from various types of data will be an invaluable experience to the student. Additional travel in the country and neighboring countries may be required, if travel is safe and permitted. 

The professional environment at the site is supportive and encourages productivity among team members, study, and program staff. The workplace maintains a mature, respectful atmosphere, promoting collaboration and teamwork between the study and program staff at ENDA Santé. The research team, both at ENDA Santé and Johns Hopkins, is cohesive, supportive, and communicative. In the event that travel is not possible, there will still be intentional efforts to integrate remotely.

This position is ideal for someone who is driven, enjoys collaborating with a team, and is capable of leading projects. The student will receive ongoing mentoring and supervision both in person and/or remotely from JHU faculty and the team. However, it will be the student's responsibility to apply the insights and guidance from the investigative team to advance the project, seeking additional support when necessary.

Epidemiology and ideally biostat courses (610 or 620 and above). Courses in implementation science and program evaluation.

Name: Stefan Baral, gturpin@jhu.edu 

I would describe my communication and mentorship styles as... 

I am highly approachable, flexible, and receptive to various communication methods, including email, phone, and face-to-face interactions. I appreciate a weekly check-in as schedules allow, and am available outside of these times to provide support, guidance and clarification as needed. Our research team collaborates closely with our local partners, ensuring that every member receives the support they need to actively contribute in a meaningful and efficient manner. We operate as a cohesive unit, offering guidance and mentorship at all levels.

A complementary student would have a working style and mentorship expectations that are..

An ideal student will be motivated to contribute to this field of work, diligent, detail-oriented, and capable of working both independently and as part of a team. We seek students who are passionate about the work, eager to learn, and interested in becoming part of an innovative team and our international partnership with ENDA Santé. In addition, the student should be comfortable working in a multiculturally diverse environment.

Estimated Costs

$0. Housing, flights, food, local mobile connectivity and in-country transport will be covered by the team once the GHEFP funds run out.

Additional support for PI:

Housing, flights, food, local mobile connectivity and in-country transport will be covered by the team once the GHEFP funds run out.