Knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of mental health services by secondary school students in Gweru, Zimbabwe.

Introduction: The study sought to investigate and examine knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of mental health services by secondary school students in the Gweru district.

Methods: Using a qualitative approach, 15 students from three secondary schools in Gweru were purposively sampled for inclusion in this study. Data collection was through semi-structured interviews.

Mental health policy and system preparedness to respond to COVID-19 and other health emergencies: a case study of four African countries.

As a result of a long colonial history and subsequent developmental and economic challenges, many African countries have struggled to put in place adequate policies, systems, and associated infrastructures to address the health and social needs of their citizens. With the COVID-19 pandemic threatening human lives and livelihoods, concerns are raised about the preparedness and readiness of health policies and systems in African countries to deal with these kinds of health calamities. More particularly, questions can be asked about the preparedness or even existence of mental health policies and associated systems to help individuals and communities in Africa to deal with the consequences of COVID-19 and other health emergencies.