World Mental Health Day Marked, Urging Anti-Stigma Action
Sierra Leone joined the global community to commemorate World Mental Health Day, with top government officials and international partners issuing a unified call for enhanced public awareness, expanded healthcare services, and an immediate end to societal discrimination against individuals facing mental health challenges.
Organized by the Ministry of Health’s Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health alongside key development partners, this year's commemoration was observed under the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The national event kicked off with a public awareness walk leading from the Ministry of Health headquarters at Youyi Building to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen. High-profile representatives from government ministries, health institutions, and international development organizations marched side-by-side to signal strong institutional backing for mental health reform.
Addressing attendees at the conclusion of the march, Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, praised the multi-stakeholder collaboration that enabled the event and highlighted the progress made in elevating mental healthcare within the national health agenda.
Echoing these sentiments, Chief Medical Officer Dr. med Mustapha Sundifu Kabba emphasized that psychological well-being is fundamental to overall health.
"Mental health must receive parity of esteem and resources alongside physical health," Dr. Kabba stated, urging deeper collaboration among healthcare providers, local communities, and global partners.
International support was also prominently featured, with representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) commending Sierra Leone's leadership and cross-sector engagement, including parliamentarians. The WHO reaffirmed its commitment, alongside fellow United Nations agencies, to assist the government in scaling up mental health infrastructure and localized care.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Minister of Health Dr. Austin Demby, Deputy Minister of Health II Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha stressed the universal impact of mental health across all demographics. She called on families, healthcare professionals, and community leaders to actively dismantle stigma and foster environments of compassion and treatment accessibility.
"The Ministry of Health cannot address this challenge in isolation," Dr. Mustapha noted, calling for sustained funding, policy support, and community participation. She commended Dr. Jalloh and his team for their strategic leadership in advancing the nation's mental health strategy.
The commemoration concluded with a call to action for citizens to listen to those with lived experiences, confront social discrimination, and champion mental well-being as a shared national responsibility.
Comments