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Background
When Dr Dickson Chibanda lost a patient to suicide, he was motivated to tackle the issue of mental health access in Zimbabwe. Part of the problem his patient faced was that they did not have $15 to pay for a follow-up consultation. With an over-stretched public health system in Zimbabwe, an innovative approach to mental health provision was needed.
Approach
The Friendship Bench trains the elderly to perform basic problem-solving therapy, helping to reduce pressure on the public health system. The sessions are hosted on benches outside primary healthcare facilities, reducing the need for expensive buildings. The screening questionnaire, known as the Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-14), uses indigenous idioms and expressions to identify mental health challenges. The model has been expanded to focus on youth and people in rural areas, and now uses technology like Whatsapp to reach more people.
Environmental Impact
By reducing the need for indoor clinic facilities, less materials and energy are required to deliver mental health services.
Success Factors
The Shona Symptom Questionnaire (SSQ-14) has been instrumental in the success of the Friendship Bench approach as it is highly customised to the local context.
Evidence
Evolution
Challenges
Factbox
Founded in
2006
Project type
Founded by
Dr Dickson Chibanda
Founding Organisation Two
Founding Organisation Three
Operated by
The Friendship Bench
Households reached
UN Sustainable Development Goal(s)
