National Survey Issued to Assess affordability and Access to Mental Health and Neurological Medicines and Services

The World Health Organisation (WHO), in collaboration with Zambia's Ministry of Health, is supporting preparations for a nationwide survey aimed at strengthening access to neurological and mental health services. The exercise will provide a detailed assessment of the country's health system, focusing on the availability, affordability and accessibility of essential medicines used to treat neurological and mental health conditions.

The survey will examine conditions including epilepsy, depression and bipolar disorder, which continue to place a considerable burden on individuals and families across Zambia. Although many of the medicines required to treat these conditions are included on Zambia's National Essential Medicines List, access remains inconsistent, particularly in rural and underserved communities where shortages, financial barriers and limited health services continue to affect patient care.

Researchers will assess medicine availability, healthcare delivery, workforce capacity, financing arrangements and pharmaceutical supply chains across public, private and faith-based health facilities in six provinces. The review will also gather evidence on the practical challenges faced by patients, healthcare professionals and policymakers in delivering effective neurological and mental health care.

The findings are expected to inform future health policies, improve resource allocation and strengthen medicine procurement and distribution systems. The survey will help guide reforms that improve the quality, accessibility and reliability of neurological and mental health services. The initiative forms part of Zambia's wider commitment to building a stronger, more equitable healthcare system capable of delivering better outcomes for people living with these conditions.