Perinatal Mental Health Training in Angolan Hospitals

Summary:

In collaboration with the National University of Distance Education (UNED), this project aims to train Angolan professionals in perinatal mental health to improve the care provided to women during pregnancy and postpartum. It consists of two phases: The first studies the health situation of women in Angola and the second trains healthcare personnel in the obstetrics area (physicians, psychologists, midwives, obstetricians, and rural health providers) at the Irene Neto Hospital and associated health centers.

Situation in Angola:

Angola is a country in sub-Saharan Africa that, after more than three decades of civil war, faces deep social and economic challenges. The country’s healthcare system was severely affected, with 70% of its infrastructure destroyed. Although there have been improvements in healthcare in recent decades, maternal mortality rates (199 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022) and neonatal mortality rates remain among the highest in the world.

In Huila province, where the project is implemented, only 30% of births take place in health centers. Factors such as extreme poverty, lack of access to healthcare, and recurrent droughts have severely impacted maternal and child health. While measures have been taken to improve healthcare coverage, mental health remains a largely neglected area. Pregnant and postpartum women face not only physical challenges but also mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, which are often undiagnosed and untreated due to the lack of training among healthcare professionals.

Project Justification:

Pregnancy and the postnatal period are critical moments for women’s mental health. Although these stages are often filled with hope, for many women they can be marked by anxiety, depression, or even psychosis, exacerbated in resource-poor settings. Maternal mental health is crucial not only for the mother’s well-being but also for the baby’s proper development. The phrase “there is no health without mental health” is especially true during the perinatal period, where the quality of care received can directly impact the child’s survival and development.

Despite international recommendations, maternal mental health is not a priority in Angola. Obstetric professionals, though willing to participate in the detection of mental health issues, lack the necessary tools and knowledge. Studies highlight recurrent issues, such as negative attitudes toward mental health, lack of resources, and inadequate training. In a context like Angola, where maternal mortality is high, mental health problems exacerbate the situation, leading to complications such as premature births, low birth weights, and difficulties in caring for newborns.

For these reasons, the project seeks to train healthcare personnel at Irene Neto Hospital and other associated centers to detect and treat perinatal mental health problems, thus improving both the mothers’ quality of life and infant health outcomes.

Beneficiaries:

The project will train 40 healthcare professionals from the Irene Neto Hospital and associated health centers. This will enable better coverage in maternal mental health care, both at the main hospital and in rural areas.

Project Sustainability:

Sustainability is ensured through the involvement of local staff in the training and the creation of networks with rural health centers. Knowledge transfer to other professionals is also encouraged.

This project not only improves medical care but also contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages. Maternal mental health is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and improving health indicators in countries like Angola.