The Togolese Press Agency reports that on September 30, the Amou-Oblo Medical and Social Center (CMS) hosted a free mental health campaign. Organized by the Togolese Mental Health Society (SOTOSAM) and the Association for Mental Health Development in Togo (ASMDT), the event provided medical examinations and care to locals. The initiative, supported by the PRPH4 Tripartite Project, aimed to bring specialized psychiatric and addiction care closer to local communities.
The campaign, which offered both preventive and curative services, saw nearly 400 patients receive care. Medical teams diagnosed and treated various conditions, including chronic anxiety, phobias, excessive anger, depressive states, and addictive behaviors linked to substance abuse. The campaign also addressed behavioral and developmental disorders in children. Patients received free, tailored treatments following consultations.
In addition to clinical care, the campaign included awareness sessions to educate the population on risk factors for mental health conditions and to dispel associated prejudices. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of social integration for individuals with mental health disorders, advocating for an end to stigma and discrimination. Local healthcare personnel benefited from a training program focused on early identification and intervention.
The training covered neurodevelopmental disorders and suicide prevention strategies. Dr. Geli Komla, a general practitioner at the Amou-Oblo CMS, highlighted the social significance of the event. He noted that the large turnout demonstrated a critical need within local communities for mental health services.
According to Dr. Komla, the initiative addressed a genuine need, given the prevalence of depressive and psychiatric disorders locally. The campaign provided substantial relief to users, he added. As part of the effort, two specialized mental health care units were officially established in the Amou and Danyi health districts.
These permanent structures will ensure continuity of care and sustain the momentum. They will provide ongoing clinical follow-up and personalized support to patients with mental health conditions or addictions. The units aim to bridge the gap in mental health services, making care more accessible to those in need.
The collaboration between SOTOSAM, ASMDT, and local health authorities demonstrates a concerted effort to address mental health concerns in Togo. By providing free consultations and establishing permanent care units, the initiative sets a precedent for future mental health programs in the region.
Key points
- Nearly 400 patients received free mental health care during the campaign in Amou prefecture.
- Two specialized mental health care units were established to ensure continuity of care.
- The initiative aimed to bring specialized psychiatric and addiction care closer to local communities.
