The World Health Organisation has called for renewed commitment and action to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into emergency response frameworks across Africa.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, made the call in a statement on Friday to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2025, themed “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Dr. Janabi said the continent’s weak mental health systems continue to leave millions vulnerable during crises such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and armed conflicts.
“Emergencies—whether outbreaks, conflicts, or natural disasters—can devastate lives and communities.
“They bring displacement, grief, and distress. While most people experience psychological stress, one in five will develop a mental health condition requiring professional care,” Janabi stated.
He warned that despite the growing awareness of mental health challenges, the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into Africa’s emergency preparedness and response “remains inadequate.”
“The African Region faces over 100 major public health emergencies every year—from Ebola to cholera, floods to armed conflict.
“These emergencies place enormous pressure on fragile health systems and on people’s mental well-being,” he added.
Dr. Janabi highlighted global progress made in 2024 when the World Health Assembly adopted a landmark resolution mandating the integration of mental health support into preparedness, response, and recovery systems. He said WHO aims to see at least 80% of African countries adopt robust MHPSS systems by 2030.
However, he expressed concern that investment in mental health remains critically low.
“Only 10 countries have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending below 50 cents per person. Governments must increase funding and make mental health a core part of their emergency frameworks,” he said.
The WHO Regional Director urged African governments to establish coordination mechanisms for MHPSS, train first responders in psychological first aid, and expand access to mental health care through primary health services.
“Mental health care is not a luxury—it is a lifeline, especially in times of crisis. We must act together to ensure that mental health support is available when it is most needed, offering hope and healing for all communities in Africa,” Janabi stressed.
In Nigeria, the National Mental Health Programme Coordinator at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunde Ojo, disclosed that the government had established a National Task Force to push for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
“We are now working closely with the Office of the Attorney-General to finalise a draft amendment bill, and we expect tangible progress very soon,” Ojo said.
He added that Nigeria has made progress by embedding mental health into programmes for neglected tropical diseases and HIV, while 27 out of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory now have mental health units within their public health departments.
“This is a major step toward improving coordination and ensuring that mental health services reach people across the country,” Ojo noted.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues globally and to promote access to care, especially for those affected by crises and emergencies.
