Zanzibar
Psychiatry
In 2010 Haukeland University Hospital (HUH) received a request from the social welfare authorities at Zanzibar to enhance the expertise in child and adolescent psychiatry.
Over the last few years, senior doctors from HUH has been on several exploratory trips to our partner hospital, Mnazi Mmoja Hosptal (MMH) and Kidongo Chekundu Mental Hospital (KCMH).
Some of the most common mental disorders in Zanzibar are schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and major depression. Many patients have substance abuse problems as well.
In January 2014, an agreement was made between Makunduchi Hospital in Southern Zanzibar, Ministry of Health, and HUH to jointly run an outpatients clinic for patients with mental health problems every Friday. As long as HUH has a consultant on sabbatical leave in Zanzibar, HUH will support this clinic in training and capacity building for the staff, as well as clinical consultations.
Employees from HUH will gain increased knowledge, and a better understanding of the transcultural aspects of mental health services, which are becoming more and more necessary in the global world.