MIT Solve

Solution Overview & Team Lead Details

Solution name.

Mentale Ltd

Provide a one-line summary of your solution.

Mentale Ltd is a Rwandan based company that enables people to access mental health information and services anywhere anytime via digital platforms

What specific problem are you trying to solve?

According to WHO, globally around 14% of people have a mental health disorder meaning that 1 in 4 people suffer from a specific mental disorder. Every 40 seconds a person die because of suicide, substance abuse statistics are increasing and other mental health issues and if nothing is done to cover the gap, the global health is at risk.

Access to mental health care and social services capable of providing treatment and social support is key to putting end to the problem but health systems have not yet adequately responded to the burden of mental disorders. As consequence, gap between the need for treatment and its provision is wide all over the world especially in low- and middle-income countries like African countries where between 76% and 85% of people with mental disorders receive no treatment for their disorder. A further compounding problem is the poor quality of care for many of those who do receive treatment.

Rwanda is among low and middle income countries which faces an exceptionally large burden of mental health disorders and most are related to Genocide in 1994 because of the magnitude of the destruction and loss. In Rwanda around 20% of Rwandans have a mental health disorder but there is a challenge of shortage of mental health care facilities and professionals that can be located far from many people and that prevent many Rwandans from seeking for professional assistance in need. Additionally, lack of awareness, stigma and high cost of existing mental health services prevent many from seeking help. The available support that is available is expensive and many can't afford it. .

This not only affects the health of the affected people but also affects their families, communities and world’s economy as up to $51 billion per year in lost productivity globally due to mental illness.

What is your solution?

Mentale is solving the problem by raising mental health awareness and increase accessibility of mental health services in Rwanda and Africa. In this modern era, to reach to many people, we are using technology to develop our solution.

We raise awareness by providing mental health information through blogs, social media posts, forums and physical awareness programs. We also provide mental health services of self screening and therapy sessions using digital platforms of Website, Mobile App and later USSD accessible anywhere anytime.

Our clients must have a mobile phone or computer with or without internet and through that:

- a person can get mental health information via our platforms through blogs, forums and posters and social media just to increase awareness that mental health issues are real and there is available support

- a person can do mental health status assessment test and get results and recommendations from mental health professionals depending on the results or level of wellness of his/her mental health

- a person can book an appointment whether in person or virtual (chat, video/voice call) with a mental health provider (psychologist, mental health nurse, counsellor or psychiatrist) and get support anywhere anytime.

Mentale uses top of technologies like Artificial intelligence and Machine
learning to simplify user experience.

Who does your solution serve? In what ways will the solution impact their lives?

We are targeting the institutions and individuals.

Initially we are targeting the individuals, specifically, youth between 14-35 years old. Currently, youth with mental illness is increasing and they remain under-treated mainly because of lack of awareness, inaccessibility to affordable services and stigma. Our solution will help them to access all mental health related information and get support anywhere they are without fear of stigma that comes with going to the hospital. Additionally, we'll be conducting physical awareness campaigns to reach to as many of them as possible. That will improve their mental health and well being in general.

Later we want to scale and serve the institutions too. these are corporate institutions with employees who are constantly under work pressure wile handling personal and family issues. They also don't have time to go to the hospitals for mental health services. So, we will be offering them services they can access anytime they are free and get wellness programs periodically. That will increase their productivity and promote their well being in general.

How are you and your team well-positioned to deliver this solution?

We have a team of 4 with diverse skills.

Liliane NIYIGENA: Founder and CEO

Experience: Registered and Passionate mental health nurse with enthusiast to impact and contribute in mental health

Theoneste NIYOMUGABO: Co-founder and COO

Experience: Professional Operations, Sales and Finance with more than 5+ years working with different innovative solutions

Jean Sauveur MIZERERE RUKUNDO: Co-founder and CTO

Experience: Carnegie Mellon University graduate with Masters in Information Technology and experienced in data science and cyber security.

Vladmir HURIRO MWEZI: Co-founder and investment manager

Experience: Strong background in business and Investment with more than 3+ years

All of us are Rwandans which give us the ability to understand the Rwandan context and with all the skills together we are in a good condition to deliver our solution.

What steps have you taken to understand the needs of the population you want to serve?

I personally volunteered in a research by Global Engagement Institute that was about mental health in working space. The research results indicated that most employees have mental health issues which usually affect their performance negatively but it is the least cared issue in most of the companies. Apart from the employees, we did research in schools during or awareness campaigns and found that many students who have low academic performance have underlining cause which is not usually their low intelligence but mental health issues cause by personal issues and family issues. The common problem was about how and where to seek help easily and in confidentiality.

I also volunteered in existing company (Global Engagement institute) and it tackle on mental health in workspace where they provide mental health services to organisations/ companies mostly using both digital and non digital services.

While developing our solution, we constantly ask for feedback and input from potential users on what features or services they would find relevant to their needs.

Which aspects of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Improving healthcare access and health outcomes; and reducing and ultimately eliminating health disparities (Health)

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model

In what city, town, or region is your solution team located?

Kigali, Rwanda

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Liliane Niyigena