How conflicts, disasters are taking a heavy toll on Africa’s mental health
The ACHPR stressed that access to mental health and psychosocial support is essential alongside basic necessities, enabling affected individuals to cope, recover, and rebuild their lives.
Conflicts, disasters, and health emergencies are taking a heavy toll on mental health across Africa, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR) said on World Mental Health Day, October 10.
The Commission highlighted that one in five people in conflict-affected areas experiences a mental health condition, calling on states to implement rights-based policies and ensure mental health support is accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate.
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The ACHPR emphasised that most people affected by crises experience emotional distress and disruption of community ties. Alongside essential provisions such as food, water, and medicine, access to mental health and psychosocial support is necessary for survivors to cope, recover, and rebuild their lives.
World Mental Health Day is observed annually to raise awareness of mental health issues and mobilise support for mental health services worldwide. This year’s theme, “Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” underscores the urgent need for mental health support in times of crisis.
"Conflicts, disasters and health emergencies exert a significant impact on mental health," the ACHPR said.
Mental health, the Commission noted, is a recognised right under Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and is fundamental to the enjoyment of other human rights. Despite this, across Africa, barriers such as stigma, limited resources, a shortage of trained personnel, and inadequate integration into primary health systems continue to hinder access to care.
The ACHPR stressed that access to mental health and psychosocial support is essential alongside basic necessities, enabling affected individuals to cope, recover, and rebuild their lives.
“This theme serves as a timely reminder that the right to mental health is an integral component of the right to health, as guaranteed under Article 16 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights,” the organisation added.
The organisation urged African states to prioritise mental health in national health agendas and budgets and to adopt comprehensive, culturally appropriate policies. It also called for collaboration among governments, civil society, communities, and health professionals to create environments where mental health is protected and supported.
"The Commission underscores the urgent need for Member States to prioritise mental health within their national health agendas and budgets. States are urged to adopt and implement comprehensive, rights-based mental health policies that are accessible, affordable, and culturally appropriate. These efforts must align with the Principles and Guidelines on the Implementation of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in the African Charter, which affirm the State’s obligation to ensure the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of health services, including mental health care," it said.
The ACHPR also recognised the African Union’s Healthy Lifestyle Day initiative, which promotes physical activity, balanced nutrition, and mental resilience. The Commission said addressing psychological and emotional well-being is an essential part of overall health.
"On this World Mental Health Day, the Commission reaffirms its commitment to promoting and protecting the mental well-being of all individuals in Africa. We envision a continent where every person enjoys the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health, free from discrimination and neglect," said ACHPR.
"The Commission calls for continued collaboration among governments, civil society, communities, and health professionals to create inclusive environments where mental health is protected, supported, and celebrated. Investing in mental health is not only a human rights imperative but also a cornerstone for achieving sustainable development and social well-being across the continent," it added.
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