Sierra Leone is facing a mental health crisis. The lingering trauma of civil war, the devastating toll of the Ebola epidemic, and ongoing socio-economic hardship have left deep psychological scars, especially in rural communities. Yet, there are fewer than ten psychiatrists serving a population of over eight million. For many, access to mental health support is not just limited, it’s nonexistent.
Focus on Perinatal Mental Health
The Healey International Relief Foundation (HIRF) is stepping up. Building on years of advocacy and grassroots engagement, HIRF is expanding mental health programming with a critical focus on perinatal mental health, supporting women during pregnancy and after childbirth, when mental health needs are often overlooked but deeply consequential.
“Too many mothers suffer in silence,” says HIRF Executive Director Josephine Garnem. “We cannot talk about saving lives in maternal and child health without addressing mental health. Emotional well-being is not a luxury—it is a human right and a foundation for healthy families and resilient communities.”
HIRF’s approach includes training frontline health workers, partnering with other non-profits, the Ministry of Health, local universities, and integrating mental health into primary care services—ensuring sustainable, community-based solutions. Through Maternal and Newborn Care Conferences, we are raising awareness among healthcare professionals about recognizing signs of mental illness in pregnant women.
At our January 2025 conference in Kenema, Dr. Abdulal Jawo Bah from Boston College led impactful sessions on perinatal and postpartum mental health. The sessions were a crucial step towards raising awareness and providing much-needed services to pregnant women and new mothers.
Addressing Burnout Among Healthcare Workers
We were also honored to have Colonel Dr. Stephen Sevalie lead a session on “Understanding Depression and Burnout: Similarities, Differences, and Therapeutic Interventions.” Dr. Sevalie broke down the signs and symptoms of depression and burnout, helping participants understand how these issues impact not only patients but also the healthcare workers and caregivers who serve them. His compassionate and clear approach reminded us of the importance of recognizing emotional exhaustion early and creating support systems that promote healing.
The country’s low nurse-to-patient ratio leads to significant stress and burnout, making it vital to address these issues head-on. Josephine conducted an empowering workshop, helping nurses and midwives recognize signs of burnout and embracing self-care through mindfulness techniques. The success of this session led to an invitation to do a joint session with Dr. Bah for the District Health Management Team in Kenema, which also led to the designation of a Staff Wellness and Reflection Room at Kenema Government Hospital – a space for hospital staff to access when calm and respite are needed.
Future conferences will continue to build on these sessions, with the goal of developing a mental health curriculum that can be implemented at healthcare facilities across the country to ensure mental health needs are met.
Providing Life-Changing Psychiatric Medicines in Sierra Leone
In addition, access to essential mental health medications remains a significant barrier to care in Sierra Leone. While awareness and capacity-building are critical, access to effective treatment, including psychotropic medication, can be lifesaving for individuals living with mental illness.
Recognizing this urgent need, HIRF is working in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, Sierra Leone, and the National Medical Supplies Agency (NMSA) to supply critical psychiatric medications to the country’s most vulnerable. Through our trusted partners, HIRF recently donated approximately $2 million worth of psychotropic medications to the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital (SLPTH), the only dedicated mental health facility in the country.
“These medications are highly effective in reducing symptoms and restoring function,” said Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Medical Superintendent of SLPTH. “They give patients a real chance at recovery and help our doctors deliver the level of care our communities deserve.”
HIRF Executive Director Josephine Garnem added, “Access to the right medications can mean the difference between isolation and reintegration, despair, and hope. Our collaboration with SLPTH is not just about medicine—it’s about dignity, healing, and ensuring that people living with mental illness receive the care, respect, and opportunities every human being deserves.”
Next Steps
Moving forward, HIRF will continue to bring awareness to the critical need for mental health services in Sierra Leone. By advocating for accessible care, supporting healthcare professionals, and partnering with the government to provide essential medications, we are committed to making a lasting impact. Together, we can break the stigma surrounding mental illness and ensure that every individual receives the compassionate care they deserve.
