ASSESSMENT ON APPLICATION OF TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF MENTAL HEALTH GAP ACTION PROGRAM, A CASE OF ADDIS ABABA

Abstract

Projects are generally perceived as a means of achieving a strategic objective of an organization directly or indirectly. In addition to strategic opportunities of an organization, projects are authorized based on market demand, business needs, social needs, environmental considerations, customer request and technological advancements. The project management body of knowledge has encompassed various tools and techniques of project management in each knowledge areas. The objective of this study was to assess the extent to which the tools and techniques of project management are applied and to identify challenges with implementing Mental Health Gap Action Program. The Research is descriptive in which opinion survey is used for data collection. In this study it was indicated that the role of mhGAP is significant both in integrating mental health into primary health care and in filling the gap in mental health services. There was evident lack of application of tools and techniques of project management and several program gaps and challenges associated with implementation. Effort should be in place to address challenges associated with infrequent advocacy, inadequate supply of essential medications and awareness related issues. A further research is crucial to see into the possible associations between gaps and challenges of implementation.