Mental Health is an integral component of health and well-being that underpins our individual and collective abilities to make decisions, build relationships and shape the world we live in.

According to WHO across the African region more than 116 million people were estimated to be living with mental health conditions pre-pandemic.

Furthermore, Africa has 1.4 mental health workers per 100,000 people not to mention the fact that they dedicate less than 1 percent of their health budgets to mental health compared to the 6 – 12% for Europe and North America.

The young African population combined with the absence of an adequate number of mental health service providers and robust policies means mental health illnesses might become a health emergency.

It is against this background that we developed the AIDO mental health awareness program that aims to raise awareness about mental health challenges, reduce stigma, and provide valuable insights on promoting mental well-being.

Project goals

1. Create mental health awareness across the African Community to promote early intervention on mental health conditions.
2. Erase stigma and discrimination around mental health issues and demystifying myths about mental health.
3. Advocate for political prioritization and funding for mental health in Africa.

How?

Create literacy on mental health illnesses through online and offline awareness sessions and disseminating informational materials to promote early intervention on mental health.

Increase mental health conversation by organizing webinars and mental health programs on different platforms to eliminate stigma and discrimination around mental health issues.

Organize advocacy forums with stakeholders and partners to increase mental health funding.

Where?

The program is implemented at the international and chapter levels in Kenya, Uganda, and Nigeria.

Our work in action