The International Organization for Migration (IOM) held an event in Makeni, Sierra Leone, on 10 October 2026 to commemorate World Mental Health Day. This specific commemoration took place on Saturday, October 10, 2026, marking a significant moment for mental health advocacy in the region. Participants observed the 2026 theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change." This 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," served as the guiding principle for the day's discussions and activities.
Reverend Father Aloysius Kamara Esq. Director of the Justice, Peace and Human Rights Commission at Caritas Makeni, addressed the attendees by stating, "Mental health difficulties can affect anyone." Cecilia Coker, Senior Project Assistant for IOM Sierra Leone’s MHPSS programme, also spoke during the proceedings. "I urge members of the public to demonstrate compassion, understanding and solidarity towards individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, stressing the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive society," said Coker. The organization utilized the occasion to advocate for broader awareness regarding mental health conditions within the community.
Collaborative Commemoration in Makeni
The International Organization for Migration organized this commemoration in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, the SUCCEED project, and Caritas Makeni. The European Union provided support for the event. This event was organized in collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone, SUCCEED, and Caritas Makeni, with support from the European Union. Participants conducted a march-past that began at the Caritas Makeni office on Teko Road and concluded at the University of Makeni (UniMak) Multipurpose Hall. The commemoration included a march-past from the Caritas Makeni office on Teko Road to the University of Makeni (UniMak) Multipurpose Hall to symbolize unity in the cause.
Beneficiaries of the Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRRSSA), which is managed by the IOM, took part in the proceedings. These beneficiaries of IOM’s Migrant Protection, Return and Reintegration Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa (MPRRSSA) participated in the event alongside community members and project stakeholders. Dr. Rebecca Esliker, Dean of the Faculty of Nursing and Allied Sciences at the University of Makeni and Principal Investigator of the SUCCEED project, addressed the participants regarding the future of mental health research in the country. "I call on the Government and development partners to make greater use of the research findings and evidence generated through the SUCCEED programme, which is approaching its conclusion," said Dr. Rebecca Esliker. Her address emphasized the practical application of data gathered during the duration of the project, noting how such evidence could be instrumental in shaping future mental health strategies and policies within Sierra Leone. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from all participating organizations to continue their efforts in fostering a better understanding of mental health needs.
