As the world marks World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2025, Advocacy for Mental Health and Human Rights Sierra Leone (AMHHR-SL) highlights the urgent need to strengthen Sierra Leone’s mental health systems before, during, and after disasters and emergencies.
A recent World Health Organization (WHO) report reveals that the African region, especially Sierra Leone, bears one of the highest burdens of public health emergencies globally, with over 100 major events reported each year. These emergencies ranging from disease outbreaks to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and epidemics continue to disrupt essential health services, strain fragile systems, and severely impact the mental wellbeing of communities.
In a country like Sierra Leone, still healing from the scars of the civil war, the Ebola epidemic, and the COVID-19 pandemic, the compounded effects of poverty, conflict, and natural disasters deepen psychological distress. While almost everyone affected by emergencies experiences some level of emotional suffering, research shows that one in every five people may develop a mental health condition if adequate support is not provided.
As such, Advocacy for Mental Health and Human Rights Sierra Leone (AMHHR-SL) calls on the Government of Sierra Leone to:
Prioritize mental health in all national disaster preparedness and response plans.
Increase investment in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs at community and district levels. Integrate mental health services into primary healthcare systems to ensure accessibility, especially in rural and crisis-affected areas. Train and deploy more mental health professionals, including psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and social workers, to meet the growing national needs.
Collaborate with civil society organizations and youth groups to promote awareness, resilience, and community-based support.
AMHHR-SL affirms that timely mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) can significantly reduce long-term suffering, promote recovery, and build resilience among individuals and communities. The time to act is now.
On this World Mental Health Day, we reaffirm that mental health is a fundamental human right, and no one should be left behind in times of disaster or crisis.
Advocacy for Mental Health and Human Rights Sierra Leone (AMHHR-SL) is a rights-based grassroots mental health advocacy charity, officially registered with the Government of Sierra Leone. The organization is committed to improving the mental health of young people and their families through partnerships with allied organizations, as well as the active engagement of policymakers and citizens in the implementation of the National Mental Health Policy, social development programs, and human rights frameworks.