Timely access to mental health services for rural teachers: A public health challenge

Estrada-Araoz E.G. · Gaceta Medica de Caracas (2025)

Resumen

Teachers’ mental health has become a priority public health issue. Disorders such as depression, anxiety, and burnout affect a significant proportion of teachers worldwide, in Latin America, and in Peru, with direct consequences on their well-being and the quality of education. In rural settings, the situation is even more critical. The Ministry of Education distinguishes three levels of rural schools, with those in levels 1 and 2 being the most exposed to geographic isolation, limited basic services, and heavy workloads. Added to this is the limited coverage of Community Mental Health Centers, which, by 2022, were present in only two-thirds of the provinces, with the largest gaps in the Amazonian and high-Andean areas. This combination of factors increases psychological underminability and undermines the role of schools as protective environments. Differentiated policies, telemedicine, and mental health literacy are required to ensure timely care and safeguard the right to quality education.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios