Mental health: 26 countries in West and Central Africa commit to accelerating reforms by 2030

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Extract from the article: Experts and policy-makers from 26 countries in West and Central Africa, who gathered in Lomé at the initiative of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mental health systems ...

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Experts and policy-makers from 26 countries in West and Central Africa, who gathered in Lomé at the initiative of the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mental health systems from 15 to 18 July 2026 in Lomé. The aim was to develop accessible, human rights-based services integrated into primary health care, in line with the regional targets set for 2030.

Over four days, Lomé hosted the Inter-country Learning Meeting on Mental Health in West and Central Africa. Organised by the WHO Regional Office for Africa with the support of the Akwaaba Trust, the meeting brought together experts, government officials and technical partners from 26 countries to take stock of progress made and identify priority actions to improve mental health care in the sub-region.

The meeting enabled participants to exchange best practices, share national experiences and define concrete measures aimed at bringing mental health services closer to communities.

Progress, but persistent challenges

Despite growing political commitment, indicators show that mental health remains an underdeveloped sector in the African Region.

To date, 29 of the Region’s 47 Member States have a national mental health policy or strategy. However, only 17 countries have aligned these documents with international human rights standards. Even more worrying is the fact that only seven Member States have effectively integrated mental health services into primary health care, despite this being regarded as the essential gateway to care that is accessible to all.

According to Dr Benido Impouma, Director of Health Promotion, Disease Prevention and Control at the WHO Regional Office for Africa, the progress made must now be consolidated.

“Everyone living with a mental health condition deserves to be treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Progress has certainly been made, but we must redouble our efforts to strengthen rights-based and community-centred care, whilst building resilient health systems that ensure no one is left behind,” he said.

 

Dr Hamadou Nouhou, WHO Representative in Togo

Likewise, for the WHO Representative in Togo, Dr Hamadou Nouhou, mental health is an essential resource that enables everyone to realise their full potential. The challenges remain significant, but they are not insurmountable. “By strengthening multisectoral action, ensuring sustainable investment and further integrating mental health into primary health care, we can bring about lasting improvements in mental health outcomes and build a healthier future for generations to come,” he said.

Towards more accessible and inclusive services

Discussions focused largely on integrating mental health into primary healthcare, developing community-based services and ensuring the active participation of people with lived experience of mental health conditions in the development of public policy.

Participants also called for the strengthening of legislative frameworks to better protect the rights of people living with mental health conditions. They emphasised the need for closer collaboration between the health, education, social protection and justice sectors.

Another priority was the expansion of the WHO’s ‘Mental Health Gaps Action Programme’ (mhGAP), which trains non-specialist healthcare professionals to manage mental health conditions in areas where there are few psychiatrists and psychologists.

Funding at the heart of the debate

The issue of sustainable funding featured prominently in the discussions. Delegations explored various avenues for increasing national investment whilst strengthening support from technical and financial partners.

Dr Kate Martin, Head of Sector Development & Learning at the Wellcome Trust

Dr Kate Martin, Head of Sector Development and Learning at the Wellcome Trust, pointed out that there remain numerous barriers to accessing care.

“The barriers to improving access to mental health care are political, financial, cultural and institutional. Overcoming them requires coordinated action, sustained commitment and genuine collaboration between all stakeholders in order to bring about meaningful change,” she emphasised.

A priority for emergencies and young people

Participants also emphasised the need to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into preparedness and response mechanisms for health and humanitarian emergencies. Lessons learnt from the Ebola epidemics and other crises demonstrate the importance of supporting communities before, during and after emergencies.

A dedicated session on the mental health of children and adolescents enabled young advocates to participate directly in the discussions and share their expectations regarding public policies tailored to their circumstances.

According to Dr Wotobe Kokou, Secretary-General of Togo’s Ministry of Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage and Insurance, only through enhanced regional cooperation will it be possible to meet the scale of the needs.

Dr Wotobe Kokou, Secretary-General of Togo’s Ministry of Health

“Given the growing scale of mental health problems, it is imperative to strengthen regional cooperation, promote access to mental health services and combat the stigma that still prevents many people from seeking the care they need,” he said.

Focus on the 2030 targets

The Lomé meeting was the second in a series of sub-regional consultations organised by the WHO, following the one held in Johannesburg in May 2026 for Eastern and Southern Africa.

These consultations support Member States in achieving the regional targets set for 2030. These targets include ensuring that all countries have a national mental health policy, that 70 per cent allocate a specific budget line to this area, that 95 per cent regularly monitor mental health indicators, and that 60 per cent effectively integrate these services into primary health care.

Raymond DZAKPATA