YAOUNDE, Cameroon

Many African countries are struggling with high suicide rates, and therefore the need for mental healthcare is of utmost importance, a WHO official said on Thursday.

Speaking at a virtual media briefing on COVID-19 and mental health in Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, the health agency's Africa director, said government expenditure on mental health is "very low" in the continent -- less than 10 cents as compared to the global average of $2.50 per person.

Her comments come days ahead of World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on Oct. 10 to raise awareness and mobilize efforts in support of psychological and emotional well-being.

Moeti said the deaths of loved ones, job losses, restrictions on movement and gathering, and fear of infection, have led to depression, anxiety and fear. "There are also reports of an upsurge in intimate partner violence and suicides," she said, referring to the effects of the coronavirus outbreak.

"We all have friends or family members who have been affected, at some point in their lives, by mental disorders. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought out clearly, how mental health is integral to overall well-being."

The WHO is working with governments to review mental health legislation and related policies, and to build capacities among primary healthcare workers as well as providing psychosocial skills training for first responders of the novel virus, she added.