Brazzaville – The World Health Organization (WHO) is working with African countries to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into every stage of emergency response, with the goal of having at least 80% of countries equipped with functional systems by 2030. This initiative addresses the growing mental health needs that arise from public health emergencies, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises.
Access to mental health services during emergencies in Africa remains critically low. Between 2020 and 2025, only 11 of 47 countries incorporated mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into national disaster preparedness plans. Comprehensive primary care-level services exist in just five countries, and only ten have dedicated mental health budget lines, with government spending averaging below US$0.50 per capita. This level of investment falls far short of what is required to meet the rising demand and establish resilient mental health systems.
Africa experiences over 100 major public health events each year, including outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, measles, and armed conflicts. These emergencies strain fragile health systems and cause widespread psychological distress. WHO estimates that one in five people affected by emergencies will develop a mental health condition, which, if left untreated, can deepen suffering and hinder recovery.
To address these challenges, WHO is scaling up mental health services through training, system strengthening, and community engagement. In Ethiopia, 1,230 general health workers were trained using the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) Humanitarian Implementation Guide, resulting in a consistent increase in mental health service uptake across Afar, Amhara, and Tigray regions within six months. Similarly, during the 2023 Marburg outbreak in Tanzania, 72 social welfare officers provided emergency mental health support to over 1,400 people, while in Chad, MHPSS interventions reached more than 19,000 individuals by March 2025.
These initiatives serve as models for expanding access to mental health care and building resilience across the continent. WHO continues to collaborate with governments, partners, and communities to ensure that mental health is prioritized not only during crises but as a fundamental component of overall health and well-being. Dr. Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, emphasizes that access to mental health care is essential for dignity, resilience, and recovery, and that the organization is committed to helping countries develop systems that protect mental well-being and leave no one behind.
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