Introduction of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Cameroon.

Abstract

Abstract: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an essential component of clinical practice in psychiatry. Unfortunately, there remain many obstacles to its routine adoption. In Africa, the use of ECT remains limited, and to our knowledge, there is no documented use of ECT in Francophone Sub-Saharan African countries. This article shares our experience in establishing and providing ECT services at a center in Cameroon, which, to the best of our knowledge, is the only known ECT unit in Francophone Sub-Saharan African countries. We emphasize the need for governments and healthcare stakeholders to promote efforts to increase access to ECT in resource-limited settings.