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WARY: Aaron Motsoaledi

"Another major concern is that both global and local studies show that mental ill-health features prominently in its high level of co-morbidity with infectious diseases, such as HIV and Aids and tuberculosis," Motsoaledi said.

He said he was not surprised to hear that 43% of people living with HIV also had a mental disorder.

This showed an obvious link for mental health being both a precursor and a consequence of HIV. The everyday stresses of living in a developing country for many South Africans was a further contributing factor.

High levels of violence and trauma in society also had a negative impact.

He said according to the 2004 SA stress and health survey, 16.5% of adults had experienced a mood anxiety or substance use disorder in previous months.

There also continued to be an over-reliance on psychiatric hospitals as the mode for care, treatment and rehabilitation.

However, infrastructure of these facilities was problematic.

"Our infrastructure audit shows that the psychiatric hospitals are dilapidated and inappropriate for the modern requirements despite all the resources dedicated to revitalising infrastructure."

Hurdles which faced mental health improvement included lack of community-based mental health services, inadequate public awareness of mental health, stigmatisation and discrimination.

Motsoaledi said the mental health system mirrored many of the characteristics and problems within the health sector.

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Thu Jun 20 11:30:56 SAST 2013 ::

Apr 13, 2012

Vhamsanda

True Dr Aaron. Mental health disorder is a serious threat to our communities , especially when it happens in parliament.
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Apr 13, 2012

Mbeva

Since we do not have hameophrodite in Sepedi, I doubt that we have neuropsychiatric disorders in African culture.Lets talk about witches and tokoloshes at least,hahahaha
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Apr 13, 2012

Papage

Our people do too much drugs and smoke Dagga like a daily food. I guess the young adult group top the number.
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Apr 13, 2012

MommaC

Sounds like Doc Aaron has been reading these comments strings.
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Apr 13, 2012

Sugaar

Zuma must undergo the test,
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Apr 13, 2012

LBS

@Vhamsanda
True Dr Aaron. Mental health disorder is a serious threat to our communities , especially when it happens in parliament.

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LOL my thoughts perzactly!!
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Apr 13, 2012

hindsight

Im Bi-polar.....aka...two tons of fun!
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Apr 13, 2012

LijahaSisu

Which country will not suffer from mental illness when lead by King Zunum-num the clown.
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Apr 13, 2012

Mjemula.com

@MommaC "Sounds like Doc Aaron has been reading these comments strings".

that's really goes without a saying. most ppl who use to comment here needs a very serious attention by Dr Aaron.

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Apr 13, 2012

legendarybenedictoholic

mental disorder is the third highest problem in south Africa.that's true. but i can say this, most of the mentally disturbed people were not born like that.
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