Editorial: Making mental health for all an African priority

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October 10: World Mental Health Day. This year the theme chosen is: 《 Make mental health for all a global priority 》. For Africa and the health authorities of our continent, this theme should have a particularly profound meaning. Making mental health for all an African priority.

But given the lack of human resources, technical resources and infrastructure dedicated to the management of mental health in the countries of the continent, the observation is rather alarming.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), before the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 116 million people were living with mental disorders in the African Region. Suicide rates remained a particular concern.

Also, the increase in alcohol and drug use and abuse by the young population in Africa promises to increase these numbers even further.

Organic and hereditary diseases affecting mental health are not left and are still far too under-diagnosed on the continent.

This day should be dedicated in Africa to reflection and concrete decision making for funding and partnerships for mental health, the training of qualified health workers and the creation of efficient health programs for the management of mental health.

On this note, I wish you a happy World Mental Health Day and hope that mentalities will change on all sides. May this world day not be another one.

Dr Samira KILANYOSSI