By Thaimu T Kamara
Stakeholders from government, the media, civil society and the private sector have called on Parliament to pass the mental health bill to strengthen support, treatment and protection for people living with mental health conditions in Sierra Leone.
The call was made during the National Mental Health Symposium held at the Miatta Civic Centre in Freetown on Thursday, October 15, under the theme “Lived Experience Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”
The programme commenced with opening formalities, including Christian and Islamic prayers, and was chaired by Mr Andrew L. Sorie, who welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of collective efforts in addressing mental health challenges in the country.
In his statement, the Director of Mental Health, Dr Jalloh, emphasised the importance of the symposium in raising awareness, promoting understanding and encouraging society to take mental health issues seriously.
He noted that mental health conditions affect people from different backgrounds and require proper attention, care and professional treatment. He also highlighted efforts to train more doctors to manage mental health conditions, stressing the need to build the country’s capacity to respond effectively to the growing demand for mental health services.
However, Dr Jalloh outlined several challenges facing mental health institutions, including inadequate infrastructure, shortages of trained personnel and limited resources. He called for increased support to address these difficulties and improve services for people in need.
He encouraged anyone experiencing mental health challenges to seek professional assistance, assuring the public that the doors of mental health services remain open to those seeking help.
Dr Jalloh also commended the Ministry of Health for its commitment to saving lives, praising the Minister of Health, Dr Demby, and his team for their support. He further recognised President Dr. Julius Maada Bio for his commitment to the welfare of Sierra Leoneans.
He encouraged young Sierra Leoneans interested in studying mental health to pursue the field, describing it as an important area of healthcare that requires more qualified professionals to meet the country’s needs.
The Chairperson of Parliament’s Health Committee also underscored the importance of passing the mental health bill, describing it as a significant step towards improving the lives of people affected by mental health conditions.
He stressed that people experiencing mental health challenges need appropriate support and care, adding that stronger legal and institutional measures are necessary to address their needs effectively.
Representatives from Orange Sierra Leone, Caritas Freetown, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and other institutions also delivered statements in support of the proposed legislation. They highlighted the importance of passing the bill and called for greater assistance, mentorship and care for people living with mental health conditions.
The President of SLAJ drew attention to the effects of mental health challenges on people’s wellbeing, behaviour and daily lives. He noted that journalists are not exempt from such difficulties and called on the Ministry of Health to consider providing support and treatment for media practitioners experiencing mental health challenges.
He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to working with mental health programmes and encouraged journalists to report responsibly and sensitively on mental health issues to reduce stigma and promote public understanding.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Umaro Napoleon Koroma, also expressed his ministry’s commitment to supporting workers experiencing mental health challenges.
He called on the Ministry of Health to collaborate in providing appropriate treatment and assistance to affected workers, emphasising the importance of ensuring that employees receive the care and support they need.
Koroma assured participants that his ministry remained committed to promoting workers’ welfare and supporting those facing mental health difficulties.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, the Deputy Minister of Health II reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting Dr Jalloh and his team in strengthening mental health services across the country.
She stressed that mental health should be treated as a collective responsibility rather than an issue affecting only individuals and their families. She also called on Parliament to pass the mental health bill, noting that stronger legislation would support efforts to improve care and services for people living with mental health conditions.
The symposium concluded with a panel discussion moderated by AYV journalist Phebean Swill, who engaged participants with questions on mental health challenges, access to treatment, institutional support and the role of different stakeholders in addressing the issue.
The discussions reinforced calls for stronger collaboration among government institutions, Parliament, healthcare professionals, the media and civil society to improve mental health services in Sierra Leone.
Participants emphasised that recognising the voices and experiences of people living with mental health conditions is essential to developing effective policies, reducing stigma and ensuring access to appropriate care.
The symposium served as a platform for stakeholders to renew their commitment to making mental health a national priority and ensuring that people affected by mental health conditions receive the support, dignity and treatment they deserve.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 19th October 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
