As the World marks this year’s World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said financial investment was critically low as only 10 countries un Africa have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending below US$0.50 per capita.
In his message commemorating the day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi said this year’s theme, “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, was a reminder of the urgent responsibility to safeguard mental health before, during and after crises.
TheFact Daily gathered that the World Mental Health Day is celebrated on the 10th of October every year to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
Dr. Janabi stated that crises bring displacement, disruption 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.
Yet,the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into emergency preparedness and response in the region remains inadequate”, he said.
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.
“In May 2024, the World Health Assembly approved a landmark resolution calling for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to be fully integrated into preparedness, response and recovery efforts, ensuring services reach even the most fragile and conflict-affected settings. The Regional Framework for Mental Health provides further guidance, encouraging Member States to embed MHPSS in disaster risk reduction and health system strengthening”.
The Regional Director informed that,
eleven countries in the Region already include MHPSS in national disaster preparedness plans, while several were integrating services into primary health care.
He said WHO was working to expand these efforts, aiming for 80% of countries to have robust MHPSS systems in place by 2030.
He however lamented that the current financial investments could not truly protect people. “Yet, financial investment remains critically low: only 10 countries have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending below US$0.50 per capita. To truly protect our people, governments must commit greater resources and accelerate integration of MHPSS into emergency frameworks.
To accelerate progress, WHO therefore urged Member States to Establish multisectoral MHPSS coordination mechanisms for preparedness and response, Strengthen community and social support systems to build resilience.
In addition, they were urged to 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 and 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”, Dr. Janabi said.
