Mental health advocacy – lessons from HIV activism

It is encouraging that since 1994 the South African government has worked hard to create legislation and policy that place equality, human rights and justice at the centre. This is the case for health, education, social development and the legal system. However, it is a depressing reality that in many (if not most) cases, those charged with implementing the transformative changes in society have failed due to a host of reasons. Lack of skills coupled with unwillingness to consult with those working at the coalface has resulted again and again in poor planning, inappropriate interventions and a waste of valuable resources. Nowhere is this truer than for the provision of psychiatric and mental health services for our communities.