The World Health Organisation (WHO) has renewed calls for African governments to make mental health support a key part of emergency preparedness, warning that the continent’s fragile health systems are struggling under repeated crises.
Marking World Mental Health Day, WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, said conflicts, disease outbreaks and floods continue to cause deep psychological distress across communities.
“Emergencies — whether outbreaks, conflicts or natural disasters — can devastate lives and communities,” he said. “While most people experience psychological stress, one in five will face a mental health condition requiring professional care.”
This year’s theme, “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” captured a growing concern across the region: Africa records more than 100 major public health emergencies each year, yet mental health and psychosocial support remain grossly underfunded and under-integrated in national response systems.
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Only 11 African countries have MHPSS in their disaster frameworks, and regional spending averages less than US$0.50 per person, WHO noted.
Janabi urged governments to increase investment, train responders in psychological first aid, and build community-based systems that strengthen resilience.
The appeal follows the 2024 World Health Assembly resolution calling for full integration of MHPSS into global emergency response efforts. WHO hopes 80 per cent of African countries will have strong MHPSS systems by 2030.
“Mental health care is not a luxury. It is a lifeline, particularly in times of crisis. On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to stronger systems, greater investment and coordinated action.
