Bridging Tradition and Modernity: Enhancing Mental Health Care for HIV-Positive Youth in Botswana
Abstract
Botswana's HIV-positive youth face profound mental health challenges, including prevalent anxiety and depression. Mental health challenges are intensified by the nation's high HIV burden. In this context, the existing healthcare system struggles to provide adequate mental health services, lacking both integration and specialised support. This article champions a comprehensive care model that integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), particularly through traditional healers, to deliver culturally attuned mental health support. The approach proposes a synergistic blend of modern healthcare with IKS, aiming for holistic solutions. The article delves into how mental health is understood across both frameworks, assessing the benefits and hurdles of their integration, while carefully considering ethical aspects like cultural sensitivity and informed consent. The article further examines how pervasive stigma, alongside socioeconomic factors such as poverty and inequality, influences whether youth seek help and can access treatment. Ultimately, the article outlines strategies for enhancing collaboration across sectors and building a more inclusive, culturally grounded mental health support system, aligned with Botho principles, to nurture the overall well-being of Batswana youth.Downloads
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