NATIONAL NEWS - Janssen Pharmaceutica, trading as Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine in South Africa, announced the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) with the Department of Correctional Services, focused on strengthening mental health capability within the correctional healthcare system.

The agreement centres on the upskilling of healthcare professionals working in correctional facilities, with a focus on enhancing knowledge, clinical confidence and best-practice approaches to the identification and management of mental health conditions, supporting practical, on-the-ground capability building within the correctional healthcare system.

Mental health conditions are highly prevalent within correctional settings, where individuals often face heightened vulnerability and limited access to specialist care. In South Africa, research conducted within correctional facilities has shown that more than one third of incarcerated individuals experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, and that reincarceration rates can reach approximately 32%, with untreated mental health conditions significantly increasing the likelihood of reoffending. 

When mental health needs remain undiagnosed or inadequately managed, they can undermine rehabilitation efforts and limit successful reintegration into society, highlighting the critical importance of targeted mental health support and capacity-building within correctional healthcare systems.[1]

Through this collaboration, Johnson & Johnson will contribute its expertise in mental health and healthcare education to support the development and delivery of clinically relevant training programmes for correctional healthcare providers. 

By focusing on practical application, clinical confidence and best-practice standards, the initiative aims to support more timely, compassionate and effective mental health care for incarcerated individuals, while strengthening the system’s ability to respond to complex mental health needs over the long term.

“This initiative reflects our longstanding commitment to addressing unmet mental health needs and supporting more equitable access to quality care,” said Asgar Rangoonwala, senior vice president of Johnson & Johnson EMEA Emerging Markets. 

“People in correctional settings often experience a disproportionate burden of mental health challenges, which can be further exacerbated by incarceration. By supporting healthcare professionals with targeted training and education, we aim to help strengthen the system’s ability to respond to these needs with dignity, respect and clinical excellence.”

The MoA aligns with Johnson & Johnson’s credo-driven commitment to advancing health equity and strengthening healthcare systems, particularly for underserved and vulnerable populations. 

Mental health is a critical component of overall well-being, and improving care within correctional settings is an important step toward supporting rehabilitation, social reintegration and broader public health outcomes.

This initiative forms part of Johnson & Johnson’s broader efforts to work alongside public sector stakeholders to develop sustainable, system level solutions to complex health challenges in South Africa.

[1] Shishane K, John–Langba J, Onifade E. Mental health disorders and recidivism among incarcerated adult offenders in a correctional facility in South Africa. PLOS ONE. 2023;18(1):e0278194. 

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