Expanding Access to Mental Health Knowledge: A New Resource for Global Health Advocates
Jessica Charles Abrams
Hi, All
Kupenda for the Children recently expanded our Disability Guidebook to include 6 new sections on mental health—an urgent need, given that people with disabilities are 5 times more likely to experience poor mental health than those without. These new pages provide culturally sensitive, practical guidance for supporting individuals with mental health conditions in low-resource settings. They also support stigma reduction related to causes and treatments for various disabilities.
Please find more details and a link to the resource below.
Best,
Jessica
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Expanding Access to Mental Health Knowledge: A New Resource for Global Health Advocates
In many low- and middle-income countries, mental health remains one of the most neglected components of healthcare—particularly for children and families affected by disability. In fact, people with disabilities are five times more likely to experience poor mental health than those without disabilities, making targeted support essential. To address this gap, Kuhenza for the Children and Kupenda for the Children have expanded their widely used Disability Guidebook by adding six new sections on mental health conditions: 1) generalized anxiety disorder, 2) post-traumatic stress disorder, 3) obsessive compulsive disorder, 4) reactive attachment disorder, 5) major depression, and 6) schizophrenia.
Each new section includes:
· Simple, jargon-free definitions and symptoms
· Evidence-based interventions tailored for resource-limited settings
· Culturally relevant illustrations and real-life stories
· Guidance for both professional and community-based support
The guidebook was developed with input from mental health professionals, psychologists, and disability advocates to ensure cultural sensitivity and global relevance. It is now helping caregivers and community leaders deliver psychosocial support where formal services are often lacking.
This updated tool is free and open-source, and designed to equip frontline health workers, educators, faith leaders, and advocates with the knowledge they need to identify, understand, and compassionately respond to mental health challenges in their communities.
Access the guidebook here: Kupenda Disability Guidebook