Dixon Chibanda is one of 12 psychiatrists in Zimbabwe -- for a population of more than 16 million. Realizing that his country would never be able to scale traditional methods of treating those with mental health issues, Chibanda helped to develop a beautiful solution powered by a limitless resource: grandmothers. In this extraordinary, inspirational talk, learn more about the friendship bench program, which trains grandmothers in evidence-based talk therapy and brings care, and hope, to those in need.

Why I train grandmothers to treat depression

A severe shortage of mental health professionals leaves millions without care in many countries, including Zimbabwe, where only 12 psychiatrists serve 14 million people. By training grandmothers in evidence-based talk therapy, communities are bridging this gap and delivering life-changing support on park benches. In one year, more than 30,000 people in Zimbabwe received help from the Friendship Bench program. Clinical trials showed these grandmothers were even more effective at treating depression than doctors.

Grandmothers Are Transforming Mental Health Care in Africa

collaboration

Africa

communication

community

depression

compassion

empathy

humanity

innovation

illness

mental health

social change

society

personal growth

TED Stage Talk

Dixon Chibanda: Why I train grandmothers to treat depression