Mental illness is reported to be one of the most reported morbidity cause globally. As reported by the World Health organization (WHO, 2014), mental, neurological, and substance use disorders are estimated to be a public health concern and should be looked at with particular attention. For example, 14% of the global burden of disease, particularly non-communicable diseases (NCDs), are because of the mental, neurological and substance use disorders. As compared to developed countries, developing countries (with low income) are estimated to be the most vulnerable and affected (75% people suffering from these disorders are distributed in low-income countries).
In the post- genocide Rwanda, the very few existing surveys conducted assessing the negative impact from the genocide substantialize the need for more attention on mental and psychological burden as immediate and long-term effect from the genocide. The studies pinpointed the strong and positive correlation between mental health and physical morbidity. The same, gap between treatment seekers and service availability has been reported as a crucial challenge that limits the mental health service availability and accessibility, especially in low income countries. In Rwanda, universities and other private learning institutions offer trainings of clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers as a response to the demand of mental health professionals. However, the general training from universities requires to be supported by continuous efforts for a Professional development of mental health professionals at work. Moreover, all the efforts made in mental health care and practice need to be documented to guarantee practices in mental health are evidence based. Equally, research and clinic findings need to be disseminated to inspire both professionals and policy makers in mental health.
To overcome these challenges, research and training are instrumental and may contribute in promoting integrity in mental health by availing service of quality and well trained human resources. The Centre for Mental Health (CMH) is felt to be the structure that promotes research, training, clinic service and advocacy from multidisciplinary perspective.