Mental health under-budgeting undermining SA’s economy

Abstract

Grossly inadequate and unco-ordinated government spending on treatment of mental illness – which affects one in six South Africans – is costing South Africa 2.2% of its annual GDP. It is also failing to reduce the 230 attempted suicides recorded daily, while 48% of people living with HIV/AIDS continue to suffer from a mental health condition (South African Depression and Anxiety Group Mental Health Fact Sheet).