By Wumi Oyehan
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised an alarm, saying that over 150 million people live with mental health, neurological or substance use conditions.
WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi revealed this in his message to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026.
Janabi said mental health includes: depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and other substance use disorders, all of which affect individuals, families and communities throughout the region.
The theme for the 2026 World Mental Health Day, ‘Lived experiences heard: Real voices, real change’.
He, therefore, urged those directly affected by mental health conditions to be given a stronger role in shaping the policies and services that affect their lives.
He said, “Mental health shapes every part of our lives, from how we learn and work, to how we connect with others and contribute to our communities. Across Africa, close to 150 million people live with mental health, neurological or substance use conditions.
”These include: depression, anxiety disorders, and alcohol and other substance use disorders, all of which affect individuals, families and communities throughout the Region. Yet many people cannot obtain the care and support they need, while stigma and discrimination create further barriers to seeking help.
”Their experience can show us where services fall short, what forms of assistance make a difference, and how care can fully respect people’s dignity and rights. Listening to these voices is essential if we are to build mental health systems that are responsive, inclusive and effective.
”For too long, individuals have been invited to share their personal stories but excluded from the decisions that follow. Listening must lead to participation. People with lived experience should help develop policies, design services and strengthen peer-led initiatives. Their insights, alongside clinical and public health expertise, can make mental health care more responsive and accountable.
”Considerable gaps remain, however. Only seven of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region are implementing comprehensive mental health integration into primary care. Average government expenditure on mental health is just US$0.07 per person, compared with US$2.69 globally. Care is also often fragmented or concentrated in major urban centres, leaving many communities without support close to home. Addressing these challenges will require stronger national leadership and increased, sustained financing.”
He, therefore, urged member states to establish formal and sustained mechanisms for lived experience participation.
”I also call on health professionals, civil society organisations, and partners to support the leadership of people with lived experience, and help bring compassionate care closer to communities.
”As WHO, we are committed to working alongside member states and communities to expand accessible and rights-based care throughout the Region,” he noted.