With only one mental health institution, the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, serving a population of over 2.6 million people, the country faces a critical shortage of mental health care resources. Tanka Tanka Pyschiatic Hospital, which was formerly Campama Psychiatric Hospital in Banjul, was relocated to Salagi in the West Coast Region by the Jammeh Government. What has been clear is that the government of Adama Barrow does not prioritise mental health despite the rise in the number of Gambians with mental health challenges. The Gambia must prioritize the establishment of more mental health institutions to address the growing mental health crisis, reduce stigma, and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, are prevalent in The Gambia, particularly among the youths, yet access to care is severely limited. The Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, though a vital resource, is overwhelmed by demand, underfunded, and understaffed. Many Gambians, particularly those in rural areas, have no access to mental health services at all. Compounding this issue is the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health, which discourages individuals and families from seeking help and thus perpetuating a cycle of suffering in silence.
The lack of mental health infrastructures not only affects individuals but also has broader societal implications. Untreated mental health conditions contribute to poverty, reduced productivity, and social instability, undermining the country’s development goals.
There is a need for more Mental Health Institutions in The Gambia. To start with, each region should have at least one Mental Health Institution. Mental health should be an integral part of the overall health service in this country. Without adequate care, individuals with mental health conditions are at risk of worsening symptoms, disability, and even premature death. Expanding mental health institutions would ensure timely access to care, reducing the burden on families and communities.
The government should invest in mental health care because investing in mental health care is cost-effective. The World Health Organization estimates that every $1 invested in mental health yields a return of $4 in improved health and productivity. By establishing more mental health institutions, The Gambia can reduce long-term healthcare costs and boost economic growth.
Besides, the government of Adama Barrow should know that access to mental health care is a fundamental human right. The current lack of services in The Gambia violates this right, leaving thousands of people without the care they need. More institutions would help fulfil the government’s obligation to protect the health and dignity of its citizens.
The Gambia does not have to reinvent the wheel for some African countries with similar population, and economic statuses have made significant strides in mental health care. For example, Rwanda has integrated mental health services into its primary health care system, significantly improving access. The Gambia must follow suit to meet international standards. According to the WHO, low-income countries often have fewer than 1 mental health worker per 100, 000 people, compared to high-income countries, which may have 50 or more per 100, 000. I wonder what the ratio in The Gambia is. With a population of over 2.6 million, having only one mental institution is far below the recommended standard.
There are challenges in funding all sectors. However, with the honest prioritisation of resources, some of the mental health challenges can be overcome. Mental health care is chronically underfunded in The Gambia, limiting the capacity to build and staff new institutions. Spending D45 million for the President’s Meet the Farmers Tour and D300millions for the purchase of new vehicles are funds that could have been used to improve the mental health care and other sectors. The government should allocate more resources to mental health care and seek support from international donors and NGOs. In addition, it should establish training programmes for mental health professionals and integrate mental health education into medical and nursing curricula. In addition, there should be a public awareness campaign to reduce the stigmatisation and educate the public about mental health, this will help reduce the cultural beliefs and misconceptions about mental health which are preventing many from seeking care.
The Gambia’s mental health crisis demands urgent action. With only one mental health institution serving the entire population, thousands of Gambians are left without access to essential care. By investing in more mental health institutions, training professionals, and reducing stigma, The Gambia can improve the well-being of its citizens and build a healthier, more productive society. The time to act is now—mental health cannot wait.
TOMBONG SAIDY
UDP SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY FOR MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
