By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, October 10, 2025: Sierra Leone joined the global community in commemorating World Mental Health Day at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, spotlighting the nation’s strides and challenges in mental health care. Themed “Improving Access to Mental Health Services in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” the event underscored the urgent need for robust mental health systems in a country shaped by civil war, Ebola, COVID-19, and natural disasters.
📊 Mental Health by the Numbers
Deputy Minister of Health II, Dr. Jalikatu Mustapha, revealed that globally, fewer than 10% of people with mental health conditions receive adequate care. In Sierra Leone, this gap is compounded by rising drug abuse among youth, a growing contributor to the national mental health burden.
Despite these challenges, Dr. Mustapha outlined key achievements by the Ministry of Health:
- Mental health units established in every hospital nationwide
- Over 500 health workers trained in basic mental health care
- Launch of a national mental health helpline
- Creation of the Mental Health Champions Network, led by Dr. Jalloh, Head of Mental Health
She also announced that the National Mental Health Policy and Strategic Plan (2023–2030) aims to eliminate out-of-pocket payments and integrate mental health into the National Health Insurance Scheme. The long-awaited Mental Health Bill, replacing the colonial-era Lunacy Act of 1902, is expected to pass into law by the end of 2025. In-country training programs for psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, and addiction specialists are already underway.
🌍 Global Perspective and Legislative Reform
Fredson Kuti-George, Health Promotion Officer at the World Health Organization (WHO), emphasized that mental health remains globally neglected, with less than 2% of individuals with severe mental illness receiving proper care in many countries. He praised Sierra Leone’s proposed Mental Health Bill for aligning with international human rights standards and tackling stigma, substance abuse, and social determinants of mental health.
Kuti-George also called for urgent interventions to address the rise in psychoactive substance use among youth, including targeted rehabilitation services.
🛡️ Mental Health in Emergencies
Dr. Mustapha Jalloh, Director of the National Public Health Agency (NPHA), highlighted the agency’s mandate to coordinate public health emergencies under the 2022 Public Health Act. He cited evidence that 1 in 5 people (20%) experience mental health challenges during crises such as disease outbreaks or natural disasters.
During the recent M-Box outbreak, responders faced sleep disturbances, stress, and mental fatigue, prompting the need for psychosocial support. Dr. Jalloh outlined NPHA’s strategic plans:
- Embedding mental health into emergency protocols and SOPs
- Training responders in psychosocial first aid
- Rapid deployment of mental health teams
- Engaging local leaders and faith groups for culturally sensitive support
- Ensuring continuity of care through integrated referral systems
Benedict Desson, Mental Health Technical Advisor for Africa at The Carter Center, announced the Bain Ecosystem Catalyst Project, a two-year initiative supported by Grand Challenges Canada. The project aims to:
- Review and reform youth mental health policies
- Support costing of the national strategic plan and investment case
- Facilitate passage of the Mental Health Bill in collaboration with the Ministry of Health
With fewer than 10% of people globally accessing mental health care, less than 2% for severe cases, and only 11 of 47 African countries integrating mental health into emergency protocols, Sierra Leone’s progress stands out. From nationwide hospital units and helplines to legislative reform and youth-focused innovation, the country is signaling a strong commitment to closing the mental health gap through sustained investment and policy action.