A two-day event aimed at promoting mental health and well-being has started in Mahamasina, Madagascar. The initiative, organized by a group of mental health professionals and supported by Orange Madagascar, seeks to raise awareness about mental health issues and provide free checks and counseling services to the public. The event, which began on October 9, 2026, coincides with World Mental Health Day.
The World Federation for Mental Health has set the theme for this year's World Mental Health Day as "Hear the Experience, Real Voice, Real Change" for people living with mental health disorders. According to Professor Adeline Raharivelo, a neuropsychiatrist and president of the Association of Mental Health Professionals and Supporters in Madagascar, mental health issues can affect anyone, and it is essential to seek help from professionals. She emphasized that anxiety and stress are normal reactions to life experiences, but when they persist, they can lead to depression and even suicidal thoughts.
Professor Raharivelo explained that people with mental health issues are often stigmatized and do not know where to seek help. She advised that if people experience unexplained anxiety, they should consult a mental health professional. The professor also noted that Madagascar faces a shortage of mental health professionals, with only 11 psychiatrists and 63 psychologists in the country, mostly based in the capital city.
During the two-day event, free mental health checks, awareness campaigns, and counseling services will be provided by experts from the Ordre des psychologues, Société malgache de la psychiatrie, and social workers. The public is encouraged to attend and seek help if they are experiencing mental health issues. According to statistics, only 32% of people with mental health issues consult a mental health professional, while 42% seek help from religious leaders.
The event aims to promote mental health and well-being, reduce stigma, and encourage people to seek help. The organizers hope to reach a large audience and provide them with the necessary information and resources to manage their mental health. The shortage of mental health professionals in Madagascar is a significant challenge, and initiatives like this event are crucial in addressing the issue.
The World Health Organization has recognized mental health as a significant public health issue, and events like this one are essential in raising awareness and promoting action. The two-day event in Mahamasina is an opportunity for the public to learn about mental health, seek help, and support others who may be struggling with mental health issues.
The event is a collaborative effort between mental health professionals, organizations, and the community to promote mental health and well-being in Madagascar. By working together, the organizers hope to create a supportive environment where people can discuss their mental health issues without fear of stigma or judgment.
Key points
- - The event offers free mental health checks and awareness campaigns in Mahamasina, Madagascar. - Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of seeking help for mental health issues to prevent stigma and promote well-being. - Madagascar faces a shortage of mental health professionals, with only 11 psychiatrists and 63 psychologists in the country.
