Sierra Leone's Mental Health Care is Changing

– Abdul Jalloh, the only practicing psychiatrist in Sierra Leone, has spearheaded a significant transformation at the country’s sole psychiatric hospital, now known as the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital. Under his leadership, the hospital has abolished the inhumane practice of chaining patients to their beds and has successfully attracted new talent, including three fully qualified psychiatrists and seven doctors in a groundbreaking residency training program. This initiative, supported by the U.S.-based nonprofit Partners In Health and the Sierra Leone government, marks a historic shift in mental health care in the nation. Jalloh expressed pride in the hospital's evolution, stating it has transformed from a place of shame to one of national pride. The investment from Partners In Health has been crucial, providing essential training, equipment, and services. However, despite these advancements, mental health care remains severely limited outside Freetown, with many of the Ministry of Health's established mental health units across the country failing to operate effectively due to a lack of trained personnel and resources. The challenges facing mental health in Sierra Leone are compounded by widespread unemployment and poverty, which have led to increased addiction rates, particularly to a locally produced drug known as kush. Joshua Abioseh Duncan, head of the Mental Health Coalition of Sierra Leone, highlighted systemic issues, including the outdated 1902 Lunacy Act, which perpetuates stigma and restricts funding for mental health services. Despite the progress made, the hospital continues to grapple with security issues, as patients sometimes scale walls to obtain drugs, underscoring the ongoing challenges in providing comprehensive mental health care in the country.