CFP: Pandemics and Psychological Distress in Africa Book Project

Introduction

Over the recent past, Africa has experienced two pandemics, Ebola and Covid-19 pandemics. The two pandemics have left a lasting impact on the lives of African people as they have transformed their way of life, social structures, health systems and economic lives. Of particular interest to this book are the effects the pandemics have had on the mental health of the people of Africa. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the pandemics have caused psychological distress in Africa. This has resulted in slow progress towards attaining the good life. This book seeks to put together evidence of the impact of these pandemics on psychological distress in Africa. Africa is unique in that it rests on its philosophy and way of life. Therefore, the way Africa handles psychological distress from a communitarian perspective is unique to African people. The book will interrogate how the pandemics have affected African communities, women, adolescents, health workers, health structures and health policy. Further, the book seeks to consolidate efforts in mitigating these distresses. Lessons learnt from these two pandemics, and their impact on mental health will help Africa handle future pandemics better. The book will provide an excellent read to students, researchers, mental health practitioners, and policymakers on the impact of pandemics on mental health in Africa.

Thematic areas

1.   Pandemics, culture and mental health.

2.   Pandemics and demand and supply of mental health services.

3.   Pandemics and psychological distresses (fear, anxiety, depression).

4.   Management of mental health during the pandemics.

5.   Ethics, pandemics and government’s preventative measures.

6.   Long term effects of pandemics on mental health.

7.   Pandemics, psychological distress and suicide.

8.   Information/misinformation/disinformation during pandemics and psychological stress.

9.   Pandemics, vaccination hesitancy and mental health.

Submission Procedure

Researchers and scholars are invited to submit a 300-word abstract. Authors should also the title of the proposed chapter, author(s) name(s), affiliation(s) and corresponding author’s email address. All submitted chapters will be double-blind peer-reviewed. In addition, contributors may be requested to serve as reviewers of manuscripts.

Important Dates:

30th May 2022:                    Proposal submission deadline

15th June 2022:                   Notification of acceptance of abstracts

30th October 2022:             Draft Chapter Submission

15th December 2022:          Review Results Returned

15th February 2023:            Revised Chapter Submission

30th March 2023:                Final Acceptance Notification

30th May 2023:                    Final Chapter Submission

30th July 2023:                    Publication of Book

About the Editors

Yamikani Ndasauka is an Associate Professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Malawi. His research interests are in philosophy, applied ethics and mental health. He is an active researcher and has published extensively in international journals and contributed book chapters to numerous books. In addition, he has co-edited a book titled Addiction in South and East Africa: Interdisciplinary Approaches. Dr Ndasauka holds a Doctorate in Philosophy from the University of Science and Technology of China, a Master of Research degree from the University of East Anglia, a Master of Arts degree from the University of Leeds and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Malawi.

Inquiries and submissions should be sent electronically (Word document) to: [email protected]