'Space to see the future'? A political economy analysis of child and adolescent mental health and well-being in Ethiopia including routes for change

Abstract: Ethiopia faces significant mental health challenges; mental disorders are the leading non-communicable condition, and many adults experience symptoms by age 14-15. In this seminar, we present a situation analysis of child and adolescent mental well-being in Ethiopia using political economy analysis. The aims were to describe the political, economic, social and policy contexts in which mental well-being exists; analysing power, interests, and the influence and resources key stakeholders bring to bear on decision-making processes. Multiple structural drivers were identified: globalized urbanization and social fragmentation, and political and economic systems characterized by economic ambition but entrenched poverty, aid dependency, conflict, and civil war. Despite significant policy recognition and support, there was poor coordination between federal and regional structures and sectors, vastly insufficient resources, and low coverage especially in rural areas. Service delivery was further complicated by widespread and normalised violence against children and young people, low knowledge and awareness among children and families, entrenched stigma and gender inequities, and ethnic tensions and conflict. Overall, regional resource shortages drastically limited the collective agencies of service users and providers. Meanwhile, development programmes lack context and coordination. The analysis underscores an urgent need to significantly enhance implementation support through targeted, contextually relevant mental health policies and programmes, and institutional expansion of spaces and processes for multisectoral working, especially between health and education. The study concludes that schools and healthcare environments can play powerful roles supporting mental health, however, experience considerable challenges. Resource and support for implementation and collaboration capabilities within the school community and health sector are identified as key entry points and routes for change.

Speaker

Dr Kibur Engdawork and Dr Lucia D'Ambruoso

Venue

Zoom

Contact

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Meeting ID: 856 9910 9744
Passcode: 153276

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