When it comes to technological innovation and business development, South Africa is arguably Africa’s top prize winner. As the most industrialized economy in Africa, South Africa is home to a rapidly increasing number of startups. Most of these are tech-driven. With interests across different fields, these startups aim to solve critical problems that need 21st-century solutions in the country. Among these fields is the issue of mental health. A lot of progress is being made to increase awareness for mental health and improve care for people. However, South Africa’s mental health is still in a sorry state. A lot of challenges exist that make it difficult for real progress to be achieved.
The Current Challenges for South Africa’s Mental Health
South Africa, like most developing countries, is still battling the cultural and social stigma. These negative perceptions are directed at mental health and people who have one mental illness or the other. This has prevented a lot of people who are suffering in silence from speaking up. It has also led to neglect of the issue of mental health in South Africa. The country’s mental health space also struggles with a dearth of professionals and experts readily available to address South Africa’s mental health concerns.
The lack of accessibility that comes with most traditional health care systems has also added to this challenge. There are lots of people facing Mental health challenges in inner cities who can’t access health care because the health care centers are crowded and a lot of attention isn’t given to mental health. Also, the same is for people in rural areas where there is little or no presence of health care centers at all. These gaps in South Africa’s mental health care system contribute to the lack of major progress on the issue.
Filling the Gaps
Although things are in a bad state, it’s not all bleak for South Africa’s mental health. The advent of technology and social media has made it possible for information on a wide range of issues to be democratized and more accessible. This has in turn equipped a lot of people with the right tools to begin the fight. While people are now organizing for awareness and education on the issue of mental health, some others are leveraging technology to find solutions to mental health care challenges through the founding of mental health startups in South Africa. The overall aim is to fill the gap left by traditional health care services that have seemingly neglected mental health care over the years. Also, these startups aim to increase accessibility, find better ways to help people and do it more conveniently for everyone involved.
What Are South Africa’s Mental Health Startups Doing Differently?
For one, mental health startups in South Africa are using technology to digitize health care. This means people can now easily access care wherever they are. Problems of overcrowded health care centers and inaccessible rural areas are being solved. Also, these mental health startups are integrating experts and professionals in their innovation models. With increased access, people can not only access mental health care but quality care by professionals. This is obviously a game-changer! This also means that the future of South Africa’s mental health is looking up more.
Key Startups
MilaHealth
MilaHealth is a South African health tech startup which uses AI to provide a digital assistant improves patient care. It does this by providing personalized support outside traditional health care visits. The platform uses AI-powered features such as “nudges” to manage symptoms, adhere to treatment plans and keep to appointments. This startup clearly demonstrates the power of AI in bridging the gap created by traditional health care systems in South Africa. Mental health startups in South Africa and across the world are increasing integrating AI for better outcomes.
Kena Health
This is a health startup in South Africa founded by Saul Kornik. Its major focus is to make primary healthcar, including mental health care, more affordable and accessible through its mobile app. Kena Health is another example of a startup using technology to increase access to health care in South Africa. What this means is that people can access care from anywhere in South Africa so far as they have a smartphone.
The Pocket Couch
This mental health startup is making psychological support more accessible through virtual therapy and telehealth solutions. It was founded by Onkgopotse Khumalo to bridge the gap in accessibility of mental health care. It does this by connecting the users with licensed therapists on a mobile app. With live chat options, video consultation and self help tools, the platform allows users to choose a therapist and schedule sessions.
What Does the Future Hold for South Africa’s Mental Health Startups?
The rise of mental health startups in South Africa is a very good sign. South Africa has a promising economy and these startups are destined to grow in the coming years. This is so because more and more people who need mental health care will have access to the platforms created. Also, the South African environment is compatible with foreign investments and this means the startups have high chances of succeeding with prospects of investments. It is difficult to tell the future but the success of these mental health startups in South Africa can positively impact South Africa’s mental health on a large scale.
