On October 10, 2026, Minister of Technical and Higher Education, Haja Ramatulai Wurie, participated in a walk organized by the Ministry of Health to mark World Mental Health Day. The event brought together various stakeholders, including Ministry of Health officials, health workers, caregivers, development partners, and traditional healers. The theme of the event was "Lived Experiences Heard, Real Voices, Real Change." This initiative aimed to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote understanding.
Minister Wurie emphasized that mental health should not be viewed solely through policies and statistics but also through the experiences of individuals and families affected by mental health challenges. She called for greater solidarity with those affected, urging stakeholders to listen to their concerns and challenge stigma. This approach ensures that the voices of those affected help shape policies and services designed to support their care.
The Minister stressed the importance of creating safe and supportive environments where people can speak openly about their mental health struggles without fear of judgment or discrimination. She said people experiencing mental health challenges should feel confident that they would be heard, supported, and not left to face their struggles alone. This supportive environment is crucial for addressing mental health issues effectively.
Minister Wurie commended Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, and his team for bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to mark the occasion. This collaboration highlights the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to addressing mental health challenges in Sierra Leone.
World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues, promote understanding, and encourage support for people affected by mental health conditions. The day is an occasion for stakeholders to reflect on the progress made in addressing mental health challenges and identify areas for improvement.
The event was part of a broader effort to address mental health challenges in Sierra Leone. The Ministry of Health and its partners have been working to improve mental health services and reduce stigma associated with mental health conditions. This includes providing support to individuals and families affected by mental health challenges.
The commemoration of World Mental Health Day in Sierra Leone highlights the country's commitment to addressing mental health challenges. The event demonstrated the government's willingness to engage with stakeholders and promote awareness about mental health issues. Key stakeholders will continue to work together to ensure that mental health services are accessible and effective.
Key points
- Minister Haja Wurie calls for greater efforts to tackle stigma and ensure that the experiences of people affected by mental health conditions inform policies and services.
- The event was held under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard, Real Voices, Real Change.”
- Minister Wurie commended Dr. Abdul Jalloh and his team for organizing the event.
