Psychiatry in Africa & the Western world are compared in terms of rates, presentation, treatment of neurosis, depression & schizophrenia, suicide & drug- & alcohol-related problems. Child psychiatric services & research in biological psychiatry are rare in Africa, & sociocultural problems confront epidemiolgic studies & the use of psychotherapy. The authors conclude, for example, to achieve mental health care for all Africans, psychiatry should be included in the primary health care program.