Banjul, 17th April 2025: The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) under the Ministry of Health (MoH), in collaboration with key partners recently validated the newly drafted National Mental Health Policy.
The new policy aims to implement results that would have positive impact on Gambians, with plans to revitalise the country’s community mental health services to reach wider communities.
Programme Manager, NMHP at the Ministry, Mam Jarra Marega, recalled that since the 2007 policy, the country stands at a cross juncture, armed with lessons learnt and determined to do better.
The 2007 policy, she said, made an important ground work but that implementation showed there exist some critical gaps. These gaps, she highlighted, include the fact that mental health services are largely centralised leaving out other regions.
She decried chronic under funding with less than 2 percent of the health budget allocated to mental health. She recommended engagement with communities to reduce stigma.
Deputy Director of Health Services, Dr. Fatoumatta Dibba, acknowledged that mental health issues are a collective business of all as the disease is such that “we are all affected in one way or the other.”
She labelled the new draft policy as ‘timely and consultative’ in view of the fact that this to have a policy that will guide us as a country at this crucial stage.
She called on development partners to support them so as to make it a reality amid the current global financial shocks.
Chairman of the National Assembly Select Committee on Health, Hon. Amadou Camara, made emphasis on the importance of the event, further commending officials for making the process a consultative one.
He spoke of the committee’s resolve to continue supporting the Ministry in delivering health care to Gambians.
Deputy Representative of UNICEF in The Gambia, Armand Gnahore, on behalf of UNICEF commended the Ministry for their unwavering commitment to improving mental health care in the country.
“As we all know mental health is a cornerstone of the overall wellbeing and its importance cannot be overstated. Therefore, the review and validation of this National Mental Health Policy marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to ensure that every individual especially children to have access to mental support they need.” He irritated
He revealed that UNICEF has been privileged to provide financial and technical support through the project, acknowledging that this is possible thanks to the good and strong collaboration and partnership with the Ministry.
Dr. YusuphaTouray, permanent secretary one at the Ministry, reiterated that mental health problem is a collective burden on all and called on all to start taking it seriously.
The move, he added, represents ‘our collective commitment’ to build a nation where mental health is prioritised, stigma is eradicated and compassionate care is made accessible to all.
By Awa Sowe
