Overcoming stumbling blocks: harnessing partnerships to improve mental health outcomes in rural south Africa
1
Anova Health Institute, Johannesburg, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A1607
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Mental health conditions are a profound burden in rural South Africa, where they are intensified by intersecting social determinants such as poverty and geographic isolation. Strong collaboration among government and other stakeholders is necessary to address challenges of resource scarcity, fragmented care pathways, and inadequate referral systems. To strengthen intersectoral cooperation in support of the Department of Health (DOH), the Sishen Iron Ore Company–Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) funds Anova Health Institute to implement a Mental Health Integration Programme. Launched in 2023, Ke Botlhokwa (meaning “I Matter”) operates across 15 rural clinics and 20 villages in the Northern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. We aim to describe the programme’s results on shared indicators.
METHODS:
Informed by in-depth mapping of the multi-stakeholder partnership (MSP) ecosystem and led by a programme manager, the programme established strong partnerships with key government departments, including the DOH and the Department of Social Development, five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based groups, and local media. Quarterly participatory stakeholder meetings ensured the programme remained responsive to needs. Programme data was collected and reported monthly using REDCap.
RESULTS:
Data from the 15 supported clinics show that the programme created an MSP ecosystem that strengthened resource sharing and integrated referral pathways, leading to improvements in access to mental health services. Mental health screening rates in DOH clinics increased by 200%, with 85% of identified clients (n = 2200) successfully linked to care. This included 1200 psychosocial interventions and 800 substance-use treatment referrals. By 2025, the programme reached over 3000 service users, representing a 150% increase from the 2023 baseline of 1200.
CONCLUSIONS:
Strategic partnerships among government, NGOs, and community stakeholders can dismantle barriers to mental health care. By prioritising integrated care pathways and community ownership, the programme offers a replicable model aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 for universal health coverage.
Mental health conditions are a profound burden in rural South Africa, where they are intensified by intersecting social determinants such as poverty and geographic isolation. Strong collaboration among government and other stakeholders is necessary to address challenges of resource scarcity, fragmented care pathways, and inadequate referral systems. To strengthen intersectoral cooperation in support of the Department of Health (DOH), the Sishen Iron Ore Company–Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) funds Anova Health Institute to implement a Mental Health Integration Programme. Launched in 2023, Ke Botlhokwa (meaning “I Matter”) operates across 15 rural clinics and 20 villages in the Northern Cape and Limpopo Provinces. We aim to describe the programme’s results on shared indicators.
METHODS:
Informed by in-depth mapping of the multi-stakeholder partnership (MSP) ecosystem and led by a programme manager, the programme established strong partnerships with key government departments, including the DOH and the Department of Social Development, five non-governmental organisations (NGOs), community-based groups, and local media. Quarterly participatory stakeholder meetings ensured the programme remained responsive to needs. Programme data was collected and reported monthly using REDCap.
RESULTS:
Data from the 15 supported clinics show that the programme created an MSP ecosystem that strengthened resource sharing and integrated referral pathways, leading to improvements in access to mental health services. Mental health screening rates in DOH clinics increased by 200%, with 85% of identified clients (n = 2200) successfully linked to care. This included 1200 psychosocial interventions and 800 substance-use treatment referrals. By 2025, the programme reached over 3000 service users, representing a 150% increase from the 2023 baseline of 1200.
CONCLUSIONS:
Strategic partnerships among government, NGOs, and community stakeholders can dismantle barriers to mental health care. By prioritising integrated care pathways and community ownership, the programme offers a replicable model aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.8 for universal health coverage.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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