NPHA Takes New Step to Address Mental Health Gaps in Sierra Leone
Aminata Koroma The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) has moved to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services in Sierra Leone by validating a national assessment designed to identify service gaps and improve coordination among institutions.
The assessment, conducted through the Agency’s Mental Health Secretariat, was reviewed during a high-level meeting of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) Technical Working Group at Africell America Corner on Bathurst Street in Freetown.
The 2026 National MHPSS Mapping Assessment is expected to provide a clearer picture of existing mental health and psychosocial support services across the country, helping stakeholders identify areas requiring greater attention and guide future interventions.
Speaking at the meeting, NPHA Deputy Executive Director Dr. Mohamed Alex Vandi emphasised the importance of mental health to public health and overall well-being, noting that effective services require sustained collaboration among government institutions, communities, technical experts, development partners and other stakeholders.
Dr Vandi also commended institutions and partners for their contributions to strengthening mental health and psychosocial support in Sierra Leone, including technical expertise, resource mobilisation, capacity development and programme implementation.
He expressed the Agency’s appreciation for their continued commitment and called for stronger partnerships to address emerging mental health needs and improve service delivery nationwide.
The technical presentation of the mapping assessment was led by Dr Carol Labour, NPHA’s Mental Health Adviser and Lead, alongside Mr Ben Koroma, Mental Health Coordinator, and senior NPHA staff Dr Amos Boima and Mr Patrick Zombo.
Participants reviewed the assessment findings, shared perspectives and contributed recommendations during a plenary discussion. The Mental Health Secretariat Lead also provided an update on the status and achievements of MHPSS in Sierra Leone, followed by discussions on recommendations and the way forward.
Representatives from the National Disaster Management Agency, Office of National Security, Ministry of Finance, Human Resource Management Office, Ministry of Employment, Labour and Social Security, Medical and Dental Council of Sierra Leone, National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Country Planning, Ministry of Tourism, Sierra Leone Health Service Commission and civil society attended the meeting.
The validation exercise comes as Sierra Leone continues efforts to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into its broader public health system, particularly in responding to emergencies, disasters, disease outbreaks and other traumatic experiences that can increase psychological distress.
The findings are expected to support evidence-informed planning by highlighting available services, identifying areas where support remains limited and improving coordination among organisations involved in mental health interventions.
The engagement also formed part of activities marking World Mental Health Day 2026, observed on 10 October under the theme,
The theme highlights the importance of incorporating the experiences and perspectives of people affected by mental health challenges into the development of policies, programmes and services.
For NPHA, the assessment provides an opportunity to move beyond awareness-raising towards practical improvements in mental health service delivery.
However, translating the findings into meaningful outcomes will depend on sustained collaboration, targeted interventions and the effective implementation of recommendations.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks and announcements, marking another step in the Agency’s efforts to strengthen coordination and promote a more evidence-informed approach to mental health and psychosocial support across Sierra Leone.