By Ojoma Akor
The World Health Organization (WHO) is working towards expanding robust mental health and psycho-social support (MHPSS) systems to 80% of countries by 2030.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi stated this in a statement to mark this year’s World Mental Health Day.
He said this year’s theme, “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, reminds us of the urgent responsibility to safeguard mental health before, during and after crises.
He said, “Emergencies – whether outbreaks, conflicts or natural disasters – can devastate lives and communities. They bring displacement, d”isruption of social support, family separation, grief and distress. While most people experience psychological stress, one in five will face a mental health condition requiring professional care.'”
He highlighted that yet, the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into emergency preparedness and response in the region remains inadequate.
According to him, the African Region carries the world’s heaviest burden of public health emergencies, with more than 100 major events each year, from Ebola to cholera, from floods to armed conflict.
“These emergencies strain fragile health systems, disrupt economies and place immense pressure on mental health and well-being,” he said.
He also said that in May 2024, the World Health Assembly approved a landmark resolution calling for MHPSS to be fully integrated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts, ensuring services reach even the most fragile and conflict-affected settings.
He said the Regional Framework for Mental Health provides further guidance, encouraging Member States to embed MHPSS in disaster risk reduction and health system strengthening.
While saying eleven countries in the Region already include MHPSS in national disaster preparedness plans, he said several are integrating services into primary health care.
Dr Janabi said that financial investment remains critically low: only 10 countries have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending below US$0.50 per capita.
He said to protect the people, governments must commit greater resources and accelerate integration of MHPSS into emergency frameworks.
To accelerate progress, WHO urges Member States to:
- Establish multisectoral MHPSS coordination mechanisms for preparedness and response.
- Strengthen community and social support systems to build resilience.
- Train frontline responders in psychological first aid to provide immediate support and safeguard their own well-being.
- Expand mental health services by training health workers in evidence-based approaches, such as the WHO mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide.
- Uphold the rights and dignity of people with severe mental health conditions, especially in crises.
“Mental health care is not a luxury. It is a lifeline, particularly in times of crisis. On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to stronger systems, greater investment and coordinated action. Together, we can ensure that mental health support is available when it is most needed, offering hope and healing for all communities in Africa,” he added.
