Post a comment 
The Director of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) at Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Social Welfare, Mr. Asumana Konneh, has participated in the 12th Mental Health Leadership and Advocacy Programme (MHLaP), hosted at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, from August 11–22, 2025.
Mr. Konneh joined delegates from 19 African countries in the training, which aimed to strengthen leadership in mental health through advocacy, civic engagement, and system reforms. The MHLaP, a flagship initiative of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), provides policymakers, practitioners, researchers, and community leaders with tools to develop innovative responses to Africa’s growing mental health burden.
Organized in collaboration with the University of Ibadan—a WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training in Mental Health, Neurosciences, and Alcohol Abuse—the programme featured interactive sessions, advocacy workshops, and group exercises focused on building sustainable strategies.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Konneh drew attention to Sierra Leone’s critical mental health challenges, citing a surge in drug and substance abuse—reportedly rising by more than 2000% in the past five years. He also highlighted the lingering impact of post-war trauma and the compounded psychological toll of the Ebola and COVID-19 crises.
“These issues remain a substantial threat to the wellbeing of Sierra Leoneans, and addressing them requires urgent national attention and coordinated action,” he stressed.
Closing the programme, Africa CDC Director Abdul Aziz Mohamed applauded participants for their commitment and urged them to translate their training into impactful policies and community interventions. Certificates of participation were awarded to all attendees.
