Mental health INTegration programme
Severe mental illness following post-acute hospital discharge in South Africa
The MhINT Recovery project addresses the high rates of repeated hospitalisation among people living with severe mental illness in South Africa. It aims to develop and test a sustainable, evidence-based intervention that supports recovery and continuity of care after discharge from acute psychiatric hospitalisation, particularly within resource-limited health systems.
Using a human-centred, health system–strengthening approach, the project is being implemented in KwaZulu-Natal’s uMgungundlovu District. Academic, government, and community partners co-developed the intervention through an iterative process involving mapping of mental health services, stakeholder workshops, and pilot testing. The integrated intervention includes in-hospital psychosocial rehabilitation, improved referral systems, primary healthcare training, and structured community-based support by community health workers and caregivers.
MhINT Recovery offers a practical model for improving continuity of mental health care across hospital, clinic, and community settings. By reducing re-hospitalisations and strengthening caregiver and health worker capacity, the project has the potential to improve recovery, promote wellbeing, and build a more responsive and people-centred mental health system in South Africa.
Severe mental health conditions
Multi-level systems strengthening
Revolving door
