The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged African countries to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support systems as part of their emergency preparedness and response plans.
Speaking at the Wholesome Mind Summit 2025 in Accra, held alongside this year’s World Mental Health Day celebrations, WHO Representative to Ghana, Dr. Fiona Braka, said mental health issues are often overlooked during disasters and conflicts.
She explained that the 2025 theme, “Access to Mental Health Services in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlights the growing need to address the psychological impact of pandemics, wars, and natural disasters.
“Almost everyone affected by emergencies experiences distress, but one in five people develop a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder,” Dr. Braka noted.
She warned that crises can lead to long-term effects such as family separation, community breakdown, gender-based violence, and grief.
Dr. Braka said Africa remains highly vulnerable, recording over 100 major health emergencies each year, including outbreaks of Ebola, cholera, and meningitis, which strain already fragile health systems and worsen psychosocial challenges.
She recalled that during the World Health Assembly in May 2024, countries adopted a resolution to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into all stages of emergency response, from preparedness to recovery.
However, she expressed concern that only 11 African countries currently have mental health and psychosocial components in their national emergency plans.
Dr. Braka called for stronger collaboration among governments, health agencies, and partners to make mental health a key part of public health and humanitarian efforts.
“Emergencies will always test our systems, but ensuring access to mental health care will help our societies recover faster and stronger,” she concluded.
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