By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Social Welfare has concluded a multi-stakeholder meeting to review the 2019-2021 Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services Strategy, an effort aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s mental health system. The engagement, held at the D’Bim D’Bam Multipurpose Hall on Wellington Street, Pademba Road, brought together key partners committed to advancing mental health and psychosocial support nationwide.
Joshua Abioseh Duncan, Country Director of the Mental Health Coalition – Sierra Leone, highlighted the growing burden of mental health challenges across the country. He stressed the urgent need for policy reforms that reflect cultural realities, national priorities, and emerging social pressures. Mr. Duncan noted that crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic have increased both public awareness and demand for mental health services. He emphasised that a rights-based, people-centred approach—integrated with social and economic development, strong community participation, and consistent national standards is essential to ensuring mental well-being is valued equally with physical health.
Speaking at the event, Cecilia Coker, Programme Assistant at IOM Sierra Leone, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Ministry in strengthening mental health and psychosocial services. She commended the ongoing collaboration and encouraged stakeholders to maintain strong engagement as the revised strategy moves toward implementation.
In his remarks, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare, Mohamed Haji-Kella, praised the collective effort invested in the strategic review. He reflected on the wide-ranging social challenges that require a more resilient national mental health response challenges that affect families, communities, and institutions across Sierra Leone. The Deputy Minister called for a strategic framework that is practical, inclusive, and adaptable. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that the revised strategy becomes a transformative national tool one that strengthens coordination, guides policy direction, and elevates mental health as a priority for sustainable development.