Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. On October 10th 2025, Sierra Leone joined the global community in observing World Mental Health Day 2025 under the theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
The day served as a platform to spotlight mental health as a universal human right and to reflect on the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen mental health systems.
A press briefing held at Brookfields Hotel, Freetown, brought together government officials, civil society representatives, health development partners, media practitioners, and mental health professionals. Discussions focused on Sierra Leone’s progress in delivering mental health services, including the successful training of over 500 mental health professionals nationwide.
Central to the dialogue was the proposed Mental Health Bill, which seeks to replace the outdated colonial-era Lunacy Act of 1902 with a modern legal framework that respects human rights, dignity, and the needs of persons living with mental health conditions. Stakeholders emphasized that updating the legislation is crucial for ensuring ethical treatment, protecting vulnerable populations, and expanding access to care.
Speakers highlighted the acute challenges faced during catastrophes and emergencies, including natural disasters and public health crises, when mental health support is most needed but often scarce. They called for integrated mental health services within disaster preparedness and response systems to ensure timely psychological support.
Representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO) reiterated their commitment to working closely with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation to strengthen mental health systems, improve service delivery, and ensure that mental health care reaches even the most remote and underserved communities.
The commemoration concluded with a call for collective action from government, civil society, and international partners to prioritize mental health, particularly in times of crisis, and to uphold the principle that mental health is a fundamental human right for all.
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