The event, jointly organized with the International Voluntary Mental Health Organization (IVMHO) was held on the theme;’ –"Strengthening NGO and CSOs in Mental Health Advocacy" that brought together various stakeholders.
The event was part of efforts aimed at raising awareness on mental health challenges in the country.
Giving an overview of their ongoing initiatives, Mam Jarra Marega, programme manager, National Malaria Control Programme, said the forum represents another significant milestone in their collective journey toward achieving mental health equity in The Gambia.
"As we gather here, we recognize that mental health is not just a medical issue, but some fundamental human rights that touches every aspect of society, from education and employment to family stability and national development."
She recalled that in recent years, they’ve made important strides and strategic achievements in the mental health landscape, including the development of The Gambia Mental Health Policy 2025 -2035, the development of the Mental Health Investment Case and the National School of Mental Health Programme.
The investment cases, she went on, looks at the economic burden of mental health in The Gambia, where they highlighted some of the financial burdens when it comes to services offered, out-of-pocket expenditures, among a host of others.
"We coordinated the Maiden National Dialogue on the mental health situation in The Gambia, establishment of partnerships with key stakeholders, and currently reviewing the Mental Health Bill and development of the Mental Health Strategic Plan 2025-2030 and have launch nationwide campaign and awareness. Yet, significant challenges remain."
This, she said, includes persistent stigma that silence voices and prevents help-seeking, adding that some people with mental health conditions are not coming forth and willing to seek help due to stigma, and some opt to end their lives by suicide instead.
She thus lauded the critical role of NGOs in raising awareness on mental health, adding that they’ve come a long way in their collaborative efforts in improving mental health issues and making sure that there is equity when it comes to its services.
Mental health, she added, is beyond just health and that it is not just about health, but a fundamental human right that affects every aspect of our lives and communities.
She made reference to the recent surge in suicide cases in the county without any under-lining factors, saying the continues changing of social and financial status in communities also contributed to this.
Thus, this stakeholder engagement, she explained, is also another avenue to help align their efforts to avoid duplication.
Samba Baldeh, National Coordinator, School of Mental Health under the International Voluntary Mental Health Organization, first acknowledged the tremendous support of the Ministry in raising awareness on mental health in the country.
He expressed delight to work with the Ministry especially the NMHCP to raise more awareness about mental health issues.
Baldeh reminded that the IVMHO was founded in 2016 due to the rising surge in mental health issues in the country and the need for advocacy group to help tackle the issue.
The organization, he added, conducts advocacy and campaigns on mental health in schools and communities, acknowledging that everyone is affected directly or indirectly to mental health challenges.
He spoke of their readiness to collaborate with partners to align their programmes, so as to avid duplication.
Alagie S. Cham, senior programme officer, The Association of Non-Governmental Organization (TANGO), spoke about the role of association in raising citizen’s awareness and advocacy for policy change.
He explained that the Association of Non-Governmental Organizations in the Gambia (TANGO), founded in 1983, is the umbrella organization for NGOs and CSOs operating in The Gambia.
Cham also spoke about the mandate of the organization, which he said, is geared towards facilitating the development operational work of its members as well as serve as a catalyst for partnership with resources mobilization and other capacity building initiatives.
Amadou D Jallow, senior mental health officer at Kanifing General Hospital, also spoke at the ceremony.
