Senegal reaffirmed its commitment to mental health during the celebration of the 33rd World Day of Mental Health, held in Dakar on Friday 10 October 2025. Chaired by M. Serigne Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, the event highlighted the need to improve access to care, particularly in crisis situations. Around the theme “Access to mental health services in situations of disasters and emergencies”, the ceremony brought together a diversity of key actors: the representative of the WHO, the representative of the UAEL, psychiatrists, community actors and associations engaged in mental health. Integration of psychosocial support in the emergency response. In his address, Mr. Serigne Mbaye stressed that mental health is essential to well-being and development. He noted that crises, disasters or health emergencies can cause serious disorders such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress. It strongly advocated the inclusion of psychosocial support in the response to emergencies in order to provide immediate assistance to the affected populations. The Ministry of Health has, moreover, put forward a device already in existence: the Mobile Teams of Intervention and Psychosocial Support (EMIS).
Health: the Sénégal calls for better access to health care, especially in times of crisis
