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StrongMinds Depression Treatment Africa

Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Sub-Saharan Africa

StrongMinds provides free, community-based Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-G) for depression in Africa. Founded in 2013, the WHO-recommended model trains former clients and community health workers as facilitators. Over 1.3 million people treated in Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya. 80%+ remain depression-free 6 months post-therapy. The program shows ripple effects: 115% increase in economic activity, 29% increase in children not missing school, 85% of clients feeding children 3 meals daily. IPT-G addresses grief, life changes, conflict, and social isolation through 6-12 group sessions.

Behavior Goal

Reduce depression through accessible group talk therapy and train community members to sustain mental health support systems

Implementers & Partners

  • StrongMinds
  • Local Health Workers
  • Government Partners

Donors & Sponsors

  • Private Foundations
  • Individual Donors
  • Government Partners

Key Takeaways

  • 1Group Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT-G) is WHO-recommended for LMICs
  • 280%+ remain depression-free 6 months after treatment
  • 3Task-shifting: former clients become facilitators
  • 4Ripple effects on food security, school attendance, economic activity
  • 5No medication required - scalable in resource-limited settings

Sources

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