Last week, Kigali hosted the Africa CEO Forum which brought together decision-makers from across the continent to discuss ways to further economic development. Gatherings like these have long served as a forum to reflect on the continent’s most pressing challenges, one of which is brain and mental health. ALSO READ: Italy ramps up Africa investment,…
Nairobi — A court has ordered a fresh psychiatric evaluation for murder suspect Kennedy Kalombotole following conflicting medical reports on his mental fitness, with the judge indicating that he could be referred to South Africa for further assessment if local specialists fail to reach a conclusive finding. The court directed that Kalombotole undergo examination before…
When Idoko, a 23-year-old man living in rural Benue State, north central Nigeria, began hearing voices, withdrawing from family and speaking incoherently, his family’s first call was not to a psychiatrist. They took him to a local faith-based prayer group, where members pray over people believed to be afflicted by spiritual forces. When he showed…
Children in many countries are growing up surrounded by violence. It may happen at home, in their neighbourhoods, or both. Some children are directly harmed, while others witness violence between caregivers or in their communities. Either way, the impact can be profound. Evidence shows that the relationship between violence exposure and poor mental health can…
Glimmers are more than a gimmick – they are a way to navigate the daily grind, and to find slices of joy in the mundane. I went out for dinner recently with two old friends. We used to spend hours getting ready together and go out dancing and debate the merits of the boys on…
Addis Ababa — The African Union (AU) is calling on communities across the continent to prioritize holistic well-being, including economic security, social harmony, and health literacy, as the critical strategy for preventing Africa’s growing mental health crisis. Speaking on World Mental Health Day 2025, Dr. Adamu Isah, Director of Medical and Health Services at the…
Brazzaville — In response to the growing mental health needs triggered by public health emergencies or natural disasters in the African region, World Health Organization (WHO) is working closely with countries to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into every stage of emergency response, aiming to have at least 80% of countries with functional mental…
Brazzaville — Nearly 150 million people in Africa are living with mental health conditions, with limited access to decentralized and integrated care, highlighting the region’s mental health challenges, a new mental health dashboard launched today by the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa shows. Mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance…
About 305 million people will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2025. Every emergency has two faces: one in shattered infrastructure (hospitals, schools, homes), the other in disrupted lives. We must respond to both. One in five people in emergencies lives with a mental health condition – yet mental health support is still treated in…
When it comes to caring for pets, some people worry most about physical health, while others are more concerned about financing potential health problems. But what stands out in a recent survey is that many pet guardians are especially focused on their pets’ emotional well-being, with separation anxiety at the top of the list. The…
