By Alusine Sesay
Sierra Leone — In a significant move to address the growing burden of mental health disorders in Sierra Leone, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, has launched a high-level advocacy mission to support the passage of the country’s long-awaited mental health bill.
Despite notable progress in revising the proposed legislation, its enactment has faced delays. The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) and Mental Health, formally requested Africa CDC’s support to accelerate the process. The initiative aligns with Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan 2023–2027, which prioritizes mental health reform across the continent.
The Africa CDC Mental Health Legislative Reform Advocacy Mission is led by Dr. Mohamed Abdullaziz, Head of the Division of Disease Control and Prevention. The delegation includes six experts, among them senators from Kenya and Nigeria, a member of parliament from Zimbabwe, and mental health advisors from Africa CDC.
The mission commenced with a workshop in Freetown on Monday, drawing lawmakers, policymakers, legal experts, civil society representatives, and international delegates. Discussions focused on the draft mental health bill and strategies to ensure its smooth passage through parliament.
High-level engagements were also held with Sierra Leone’s executive, legislative, and judicial leadership, including the President, Speaker of Parliament, and Chief Justice, to advocate for swift legislative action.
Addressing a Deep-Rooted Crisis
Mental health challenges in Sierra Leone have been exacerbated by decades of civil conflict, the Ebola outbreak, and the recent KUSH drug epidemic. The country’s existing mental health law, dating back to 1902, is widely considered outdated and inadequate.
Dr. Abdullaziz emphasized the urgency of reform, noting that mental health ranks seventh globally in disability-adjusted life years lost and affects nearly one billion people—82% of whom live in low- and middle-income countries. “Outdated laws and weak policies are major barriers to effective mental health care,” he said.
Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh of the Africa CDC NCDI/MH Advisory Committee highlighted the colonial origins of many African mental health laws, including Sierra Leone’s, and the persistent stigma surrounding mental illness. “We cannot close the treatment gap without first closing the policy gap,” he stated.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Director of Mental Health and NCDs at the Ministry of Health, outlined the bill’s key provisions: protection of patient rights, confidentiality, safeguards against abuse, legal protections for minors, and collaboration between the criminal justice system and mental health institutions. The bill also includes mechanisms for implementation and financing.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Minority Leader in Parliament, stressed that mental health is integral to national development. “Without mental health, there is no way we can move forward,” he said, referencing the lingering trauma from war and epidemics.
Deputy Health Minister Professor Charles Senesie reaffirmed the government’s commitment to mental health reform. “This bill is essential. We are working to improve access, enhance quality care, and build human resource capacity,” he said. He also noted the establishment of a presidential task force on mental health and a rehabilitation center for KUSH victims as major milestones.
Regional Impact and Future Collaboration
Africa CDC’s mission aims not only to support Sierra Leone but also to share its experience with other African Union member states still operating under outdated mental health laws. The initiative is expected to create momentum for legislative reform, reduce stigma, and promote compassionate, rights-based mental health services across the continent.
As the mission continues, stakeholders hope the discussions will catalyze a new chapter for mental health in Sierra Leone—one grounded in dignity, human rights, and modern care frameworks.