By: Yunus S Saliu
The Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, IOM, and WAHO, on Friday, 10th October 2025, commemorated World Mental Health Day at Arch 22 in Banjul under the theme – Access to Mental Health Services in Catastrophes and Emergencies.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr. Momodou Nyassi, Director of Health Services, described the theme as timely and deeply relevant, stressing the need to protect mental well-being during crises. “It speaks to the heart of our shared humanity and the urgent need to safeguard mental health in the face of adversity,” he said.
Dr. Nyassi commended the National Mental Health Programme for its continued advocacy and reform efforts, while calling for greater investment in mental health services, which he said remain among the most underfunded and overlooked areas of emergency response.
Mam Jarra Marega, Programme Manager of the National Mental Health Programme, thanked the Ministry, partners, and civil society for their collective efforts toward achieving SDG Goal 3.4 – reducing premature deaths from non-communicable diseases through prevention and mental health promotion by 2030.
She emphasized the need to integrate mental health into all emergency preparedness and response plans and to train frontline workers in psychosocial support. “Mental health is not a luxury; it is a lifeline,” she stressed.
Turkish Ambassador to The Gambia, H.E. Tuker Oba, also underscored the importance of addressing the perception of mental illness and commended the staff of the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital for their dedication.
Delivering a message on behalf of the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr. Nathan Bakyaita, the WHO Representative, warned that one in five people affected by emergencies could develop mental health conditions requiring care.
However, the commemoration featured speeches from government officials and partners, including Hon Modou Lamin Bah, National Assembly Member for Banjul North, Dr Ifeanyi Udenweze, Dr Jainaba Jallow – Team Leader, Hon Aziz Dabah Gaye – Deputy Mayor, with a moving testimony from Aji Jacub Njie, a mental health survivor, who shared her inspiring story of recovery.
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By: Yunus S Saliu The Ministry of Health, in partnership with WHO, UNICEF, IOM, and WAHO, on Friday, 10th October…
The post MOH, Partners Mark World Mental Health Day 2025 appeared first on .
