***Says ‘Mental Health Is a Lifeline, Not a Luxury’ in Times of Crisis
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for the urgent integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into emergency preparedness and response systems across Africa, warning that mental health care must be treated as a lifeline not a luxury during crises.
The call was made by the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Mohamed Janabi, in his message to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2025, themed “Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.” Dr. Janabi emphasized that mental health must be recognized as a cornerstone of human resilience, dignity, and survival, especially as Africa grapples with an increasing number of humanitarian and public health emergencies.
“Emergencies whether outbreaks, conflicts, or natural disasters can devastate lives and communities,” Dr. Janabi stated. “While most people experience psychological stress, one in five will face a mental health condition requiring professional care.”
He noted that despite more than 100 major emergencies occurring annually across the continent from Ebola outbreaks to floods and armed conflicts the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into national preparedness and response plans remains inadequate.
Recalling the May 2024 World Health Assembly resolution, which called for MHPSS to be embedded into emergency and recovery efforts, Dr. Janabi said the Regional Framework for Mental Health offers African nations a roadmap to strengthen resilience through disaster risk reduction and primary health care.
“We are not without solutions,” he stressed. “Eleven countries in our Region already include MHPSS in their national disaster preparedness plans, while several others are integrating services into primary health care. WHO aims for 80% of African nations to have robust MHPSS systems by 2030.”
However, the WHO Regional Director expressed concern that only 10 countries on the continent have dedicated mental health budgets, with regional spending still below US$0.50 per capita.
He called for stronger financial commitment, training of frontline responders in psychological first aid, and expanded community support systems.
“To truly protect our people,” Dr. Janabi warned, “governments must commit greater resources and accelerate the integration of mental health services into emergency frameworks.”
He concluded with a powerful appeal: “Mental health care is not a luxury; it is a lifeline particularly in times of crisis. Let us commit to stronger systems, greater investment, and coordinated action so that mental health support is available when it is most needed offering hope and healing for all communities in Africa.”
