About This Course

Depression is one of the most common and most treatable health conditions in the world, yet it remains one of the most under-recognised. In Nigeria, Kenya and many similar settings, most people with depression never see a mental health specialist. They are seen, if at all, by a pharmacist behind a counter, a nurse in a clinic, a doctor in a busy outpatient department, or a laboratory scientist who has just received a stack of “tired all the time” requests. This course equips those frontline professionals to recognise depression, assess risk, start and monitor treatment, counsel patients and families, and know when and how to refer.

Who this course is for

• Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians who counsel on antidepressants, sleep aids and pain relievers every day
• Nurses and midwives in hospitals, primary health centres and community settings
• Doctors and clinical officers who manage depression in general practice and outpatient care
• Laboratory scientists and technicians who support diagnosis and monitoring
• Community health workers, counsellors, health administrators and students in medicine, pharmacy, nursing and allied health
• Individual

No prior mental health training is required. Where content is more advanced (for example, antidepressant dosing), it is clearly signposted.

Course aim

To build the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to identify and manage depression safely and compassionately within your professional scope, using evidence-based approaches adapted to African healthcare realities.