About the mHub
The mHub is a global network of mental health organizations that help people achieve mental and emotional wellbeing. We are a social purpose business that strives to bridge the gaps in access and quality of mental health services worldwide, with a particular focus on low- and middle-income countries in Africa. We currently have a presence in Rwanda, Kenya, and South Africa and serve the wider East and Southern Africa regions with our programs.
Dr. Michael Grosspietsch
Founder & President of mHub
“I’ve always been an incredibly resilient person and never gave my mental health and wellbeing a second thought. And then came Covid… Out of a sudden, our lives had changed dramatically. Our routines were disrupted. We no longer knew what was to come. We faced concerns for our personal health, for our families, and for our livelihoods. And with that came an enormous amount of stress. It was during the darkest hours that I realized that even the most resilient people are seriously vulnerable.
Our mental health and wellbeing are incredibly precious; we all need to take proactive care of ourselves. Realizing that many people worldwide lack access to even the most basic quality mental health services, I founded mHub in order to help overcome this enormous challenge.”
Mental health is one of the most critical challenges of our time
The Covid-19 pandemic has not only significantly aggravated the state of mental health of many people around the globe. It has also led to an increased awareness of the critical challenge that mental ill health poses. Individuals and communities who have previously never given a second thought to their mental wellbeing are suddenly confronted with considerable degrees of stress, uncertainty, fear, worry, and concern. The changes that people face are major known psychological risk factors for anxiety, depression, and self-harm. As a result, it is undisputed among experts that the pandemic will have long-lasting consequences and effects on the mental health and wellbeing of billions of people both now and into the future.
Even before the emergency, mental illnesses accounted for more than 10% of all diseases globally. Additionally, the social and economic consequences for individuals, families, communities, and societies are extensive. The WHO estimates that mental illnesses cost the global economy around US $1 trillion each year due to lost production and consumption opportunities. Many mental illnesses can be prevented and treated effectively. But the treatment coverage is very low. According to some studies, more than 80% of people in low- and middle-income countries who suffer from severe disorders receive no treatment at all. And when people seek treatment, the quality is frequently poor. Estimates suggest that only 3.7% of people with a depressive disorder receive even minimally adequate treatment.
The workplace is the optimal intervention setting
We have identified the workplace as the ideal starting point for our mission to bridge the gaps in access and quality of mental health services worldwide. Why? People spend more time working than pursuing and other activity apart from sleeping. Employers hence have a unique opportunity to provide programs and services aimed at improving the mental health of the people they employ.
Workplaces are great settings to create a culture of health. They typically have clear leadership structures that can implement programs and policies. Social support networks are frequently available, and communication structures are in place. Employers can use data to track progress and measure the effects of interventions. And they can offer incentives to reinforce healthy behaviors.
Meet our team
Francoise Uzamukunda, MA
Regional Director, East Africa
Yvonne Uwamahoro, MPH
Director, Mental Health Services
Yvan Rubengebenge
Director, Relationship Management
Rachel Irakoze, BA
Client Relationship Manager
Dr. Charles Mudenge
Psychiatrist
Flora Awiti, MA
Clinical Psychologist & Trainer
Clare Kerubo Bosire, BA
Clinical Psychologist & Trainer
Florence Wambui Kung’u, BA
Clinical Psychologist & Trainer
Therese Uwitonze, MA
Clinical Psychologist & Supervisor
Janvier Muhire, MSc
Clinical Psychologist
Christella Ishimwe, BA
Clinical Psychologist
Marie Ecki, MSc
Clinical Psychologist
Athena Phillips, LCSW
Trauma Consultant
Theoneste Bugingo, LCPH
Organizational Health & Wellness Practitioner
Emmanuel Manirarora, BSc
Wellness Instructor
Alexis Havugimana
Wellness Instructor
Christine Mukeshimana, BA
Trainer
Eric Kingoina, DCS
Relationship Manager
Denyse Iradukunda, BA
Relationship Manager
Adeline Imanirakiza, DIS
Relationship Management Assistant
Cailin Human, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Michael Grosspietsch
Founder & President
Melissa Lesage, LLB
Director, Business Management
Dr. Karin Jeffery
Director, Training & Global Lead Instructor
Dr. Tiffany Ryan
Senior Training Facilitator
Waleed Fatth, MPH
Senior Training Facilitator