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WITH the impacts of climate change increasingly getting more complex, human nature, mind, body and spirit is getting agitated and overwhelmed.

Harnessing the power of technological innovations has, thus, become key in alleviating the impact of climate change on mental health and mental ill-health by shaping the future of African digital healthcare systems.

Mental health can be referred to as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well, work well and contribute to their communities. Mental ill-health, which is not much talked about, is viewed as a wide range of mental health conditions, disorders that affect one’s mood, thinking and behaviour. Mental ill-health and health conditions are diagnosed by a medical practitioner and can be used to describe both mental health issues and mental illnesses.

Online digital health platforms are, however, increasingly enabling stakeholders with diverse backgrounds to connect with each other, share their knowledge and experiences that have become part of their daily lives. The people’s daily interactions with climate change impacts have taken a toll on their daily work routines, livelihood options and health well-being. As a result of not seeking medical assistance, mental health conditions compound and develop into mental illness. This also emanates from a culture of not consulting health professionals about the state of their mental health as most people choose to seek divine intervention through prophets.

Digital health online platforms are cost effective, easily accessible from one’s mobile phone, laptop or computer. Depending on the nature of health condition at stake and being a member of the online community, consultation fees are less and costs are reduced.