The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning about the mental health crisis in Africa, emphasizing the urgent need for action. In a message marking World Mental Health Day, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the devastating impact of emergencies on the continent's fragile health systems. He stated that one in five individuals affected by Africa's emergencies, ranging from armed conflicts to disease outbreaks and floods, face mental health conditions, pushing the systems to their limits. Dr. Janabi emphasized the importance of treating mental health care as a lifeline rather than a luxury, as emergencies can lead to displacement, social disruption, family separation, grief, and distress. This year's theme, 'Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,' underscores the growing concern in the region. Despite the alarming figures, only 11 African countries have prioritized mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in their national disaster preparedness plans, and fewer than half have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending below US$0.50 per capita. Dr. Janabi stressed that the lack of investment and preparedness leaves millions without the necessary support during crises. To address this, the WHO chief called on African governments to establish multisectoral coordination mechanisms for mental health, train frontline responders in psychological first aid, and expand community-based support systems to build resilience. The WHO's mhGAP Humanitarian Intervention Guide provides essential tools for health workers to manage mental health conditions in resource-constrained crisis settings. This call to action comes on the heels of the World Health Assembly's resolution in May 2024, which advocated for the full integration of MHPSS into global preparedness, response, and recovery efforts. The Regional Framework for Mental Health further guides African nations in incorporating MHPSS into disaster risk reduction and health system strengthening. While the challenges are significant, progress is underway. Several African countries are integrating mental health into primary health care and emergency preparedness plans, supported by the WHO's regional initiatives to ensure that 80% of countries have robust MHPSS systems by 2030. Dr. Janabi's message is clear: the pace of progress must accelerate. He emphasized that mental health care is not a luxury but a lifeline, especially during crises. On World Mental Health Day, he urged a commitment to stronger systems, greater investment, and coordinated action to ensure that mental health support is available when it is most needed, offering hope and healing for all African communities. The WHO asserts that no recovery is complete without addressing mental health.
