Follow up Support of Training Program in Bachelor of Science in Medical Psychology in Kenya

First, of all continents, Africa is undoubtedly most in need of qualified people who can competently deal with mental health problems – problems that are becoming even more frequent than before and have even more serious consequences than they had in the past.

There are many reasons for this epidemic of mental ill health, including extreme poverty, the growing prevalence of infections and other diseases affecting the brain, still deficient perinatal care leading to injuries of the newborn and nutritional deficiencies that are reducing the capacity to withstand physical or mental disorders. The situation is made worse by the reduction and even disappearance of the traditional social structures that have helped people in need, particularly in urban areas.

Therefore, in October 2011 Moi University, Eldoret, Kenya commenced the first intake of a Bachelor of Medical Psychology program in collaboration with Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.

Considerable achievements have been made in a 3-year project that started in January 2014. The Medical Psychology programme successfully completed its start-up phase. A 4-year curriculum has been implemented, staff members have been trained, a small library and a skills lab have been set up.

The focus in the current project is in the area of skills training: students get the opportunity in a skillslab to develop their counselling skills.

Dioraphte foundation supports this project financially. Maastricht University Medical Centre+ and RINO Zuid together with SHE Collaborates, are the Dutch project partners.