Health Ministry Presents Mental Health Bill 2026 to Parliamentary Committee
Sia Lucy Kannah The Government of Sierra Leone has taken a step towards replacing the country’s 124-year-old Lunacy Act of 1902 with a proposed Mental Health Bill 2026 aimed at strengthening the protection of people living with mental health conditions and improving access to mental healthcare.
The Ministry of Health, through its Directorate of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, presented the proposed legislation to the Parliamentary Committee during an engagement held at Committee Room 1 on Monday, 9 November 2026.
The proposed Bill seeks to establish a modern legal framework for mental healthcare in Sierra Leone, replacing the existing law, which dates back to 1902. It is designed to protect the rights and dignity of people living with mental health conditions, address stigma and discrimination, and improve access to quality mental health services.
During the presentation, discussions also focused on strengthening the mental health workforce, expanding community-based mental healthcare, improving access to affordable treatment and essential medicines, and introducing appropriate mechanisms for regulation, oversight and accountability in the delivery of mental health services.
The Ministry’s delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, and included the Acting Permanent Secretary, the Director of Primary Health Care, the Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health, Dr. Abdul Jalloh, and other Ministry officials.
The presentation marks an important stage in the legislative process, with the proposed Bill expected to proceed to the floor of Parliament for debate and further consideration following its review by the Parliamentary Committee.
The Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to working with Parliament and relevant stakeholders to advance the proposed reforms and strengthen access to affordable, inclusive and quality mental healthcare for Sierra Leoneans.
