World Mental Health Day: 150 million Africans live with mental illnesses – WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that nearly 150 million people in Africa live with mental health, neurological or substance use conditions, and most cannot access the care they need due to stigma, poor funding and weak health systems.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, said this in his message to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026, in Abuja, at a meeting organized in collaboration with the Pan-African Network of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities, Aves Mental Health and United for Global Mental Health.

With theme: “Lived experiences listened to: real voices, real change”,

Dr Janabi said mental health affects every aspect of human life – how people learn, work, relate to others and contribute to their communities – but remains one of the most neglected health areas in the region.

It says conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders and alcohol and drug use disorders are widespread across Africa, affecting individuals, families and communities, while stigma and discrimination continue to prevent many from seeking help.

Dr Janabi calls for people directly affected by mental health conditions to be given a stronger role in shaping the policies and services that affect their lives.

She noted that people with first-hand experience of mental health conditions know best where services fail, what kind of support works and how care can respect dignity and human rights.