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AfriCAT:

A Smart, African-Led Innovation

to Transform Adolescent Mental

Health Care

Depression and anxiety are among the leading causes In South Africa, studies estimate that 20–30% of
of disability for adolescents worldwide. In Africa, these adolescents experience symptoms consistent with
conditions are often under-identified and under-treated. depression or anxiety. Similar patterns have been reported
Health systems face persistent challenges, including across the continent. Despite this, routine mental health
limited specialist staff, high patient volumes, weak referral assessments in schools, primary care clinics, or community
pathways, and insufficient access to culturally appropriate programmes remain uncommon. Where assessments do
tools. Many adolescents with significant symptoms are occur, the tools used are often developed outside Africa
never formally assessed, leaving them without the support and may not accurately reflect local cultural contexts or
they need. differences in symptom severity. This can make it difficult

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