As Africa grapples with compounding public health emergencies, the impact on mental health is becoming increasingly evident.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is taking decisive action to address this silent crisis by advocating for mental health prioritization in workplaces across the continent.
On October 16, coinciding with World Mental Health Day, Africa CDC convened a webinar featuring mental health experts discussing strategies for creating mentally healthy work environments.
Ragnhild Dybdahl, Senior Advisor at Africa CDC, emphasized the critical role of work in providing income, purpose, and meaning. “Good mental health increases productivity; decent work is a fundamental right,” she stated, highlighting that poor mental health costs the global economy over a trillion US dollars annually.
The discussion underscored the necessity for supportive policies, employee assistance programs, and a focus on work-life balance. Dr. Mohammed Abdulaziz, head of the Division of Disease Control and Prevention at Africa CDC, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to fortifying health systems to prioritize mental well-being.
Key interventions include developing mental health policies aligned with international standards and integrating mental health services into primary healthcare.
Furthermore, the Africa CDC’s Mental Health Leadership Program is building capacity among public health professionals, equipping them to advocate for mental health at high levels of governance.
With staggering statistics from Rwanda indicating that 32% of workers have contemplated suicide and 63% miss work due to mental health challenges, the urgency of this initiative is clear. Africa CDC is urging multi-sectoral collaboration to champion mental health in workplaces throughout Africa.
