The role of public-private partnerships in improving access to mental health services in Uganda: a case of mukono church of Uganda hospital
1
Research and Advisory, Population And Development Consult Limited, Kampala, Uganda
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
According to the 2024 National census report, 12% of the Ugandan population aged 10 years and above has experienced some form of mental health disorder. Yet only 9% of this population have access to the medical care they need. In Uganda, mental health care accounts for less than 1% of the health budget. However, a public-private partnership between Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital (MCoUH) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) provides mental health services like screening, clinical management and community awareness to the people of Mukono. This study aims to examine the role of private-public partnerships in improving access to mental health services in Uganda.
METHODS:
The study findings were based on data from 76 respondents, including health workers from the mental health department, caregivers, and patients of MCoUH. The study employed a mixed-methods study design. The quantitative data was entered into the Statistical Package for Social Scientists software, cleaned and analysed. While the qualitative data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. The results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS:
The study findings showed that the public-private partnership between the MoH and MCoUH had played a significant role in improving access to mental health services in Mukono and the surrounding areas. Indeed, most (82.6%) of the patients reported that they received free mental health screening. In addition, mental health community outreaches reduced the distance travelled to access mental health services. However, even though mental health assessments were free, 63% of the patients complained that the drugs were too expensive to purchase.
CONCLUSIONS:
If the government adequately supports private not-for-profit organisations, they can significantly increase access to mental health services in Uganda. The study recommends allocating more funds to Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital to procure medicines, employ more staff and conduct more mental health awareness outreaches.
According to the 2024 National census report, 12% of the Ugandan population aged 10 years and above has experienced some form of mental health disorder. Yet only 9% of this population have access to the medical care they need. In Uganda, mental health care accounts for less than 1% of the health budget. However, a public-private partnership between Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital (MCoUH) and the Ministry of Health (MoH) provides mental health services like screening, clinical management and community awareness to the people of Mukono. This study aims to examine the role of private-public partnerships in improving access to mental health services in Uganda.
METHODS:
The study findings were based on data from 76 respondents, including health workers from the mental health department, caregivers, and patients of MCoUH. The study employed a mixed-methods study design. The quantitative data was entered into the Statistical Package for Social Scientists software, cleaned and analysed. While the qualitative data was analysed using thematic and content analysis. The results were presented using descriptive and inferential statistics.
RESULTS:
The study findings showed that the public-private partnership between the MoH and MCoUH had played a significant role in improving access to mental health services in Mukono and the surrounding areas. Indeed, most (82.6%) of the patients reported that they received free mental health screening. In addition, mental health community outreaches reduced the distance travelled to access mental health services. However, even though mental health assessments were free, 63% of the patients complained that the drugs were too expensive to purchase.
CONCLUSIONS:
If the government adequately supports private not-for-profit organisations, they can significantly increase access to mental health services in Uganda. The study recommends allocating more funds to Mukono Church of Uganda Hospital to procure medicines, employ more staff and conduct more mental health awareness outreaches.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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