The commemoration commenced on Saturday, 10 October 2026, with a Mental Health Awareness Walk from Youyi Building to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Organised by the Directorate of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Orange Sierra Leone and other stakeholders, the walk attracted hundreds of participants, including healthcare professionals, youth organisations, representatives of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital and members of the public.
The initiative provided an important platform to take mental health advocacy beyond healthcare institutions and into communities, encouraging greater public understanding, compassion and acceptance of people experiencing mental health challenges.
Speaking at the conclusion of the walk, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba commended Orange Sierra Leone for its contribution to advancing mental health awareness and supporting national efforts to address stigma and discrimination.
He emphasised that mental health conditions are medical issues that require understanding, appropriate treatment and support, rather than prejudice or social exclusion.
Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Consultant Psychiatrist, Mental Health Advocate and Director of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, described the initiative as an important step towards strengthening mental health advocacy in Sierra Leone.
He highlighted the need for greater awareness and improved access to mental health services, while encouraging families, schools, religious institutions, employers and communities to create supportive environments where individuals can openly discuss their mental health concerns and seek professional assistance without fear of judgment.
Orange Sierra Leone’s participation reinforced the importance of public private partnerships in addressing critical health and social challenges and demonstrated the company’s commitment to supporting national health priorities.
Recognising that mental health awareness must also begin within the workplace, Orange Sierra Leone organised a special Mental Health Awareness and Sensitisation Talk for employees on Monday, 12 October 2026, at its headquarters in Hill Station, Freetown.
Held under the theme “We All Have Mental Health,” the session featured Dr. Abdul Jalloh as guest speaker.
The interactive engagement provided employees with valuable insights into emotional wellbeing, stress management, work life balance and practical approaches to maintaining positive mental health.
Discussions also explored the importance of recognising early signs of mental health challenges, seeking professional support when necessary and creating a workplace environment where employees feel comfortable discussing issues affecting their psychological and emotional wellbeing.
The session emphasised that mental health is not solely an individual responsibility but a shared commitment between employees and employers, requiring understanding, empathy, supportive workplace policies and a culture of care.
Employees actively participated in the discussions, raising questions and sharing perspectives on the pressures associated with professional and personal responsibilities.
Through this initiative, Orange Sierra Leone reinforced its commitment to fostering a healthy, inclusive and supportive workplace where employee wellbeing remains a priority.
As part of its continued engagement, Orange Sierra Leone also participated in and sponsored the National Mental Health Symposium, organised by the Ministry of Health on 15 October 2026 at the Miatta Conference Centre in Brookfields, Freetown.
The symposium convened government representatives, mental health professionals, development partners, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to examine the country’s mental health challenges and explore collaborative approaches to improving awareness, reducing stigma and strengthening access to mental health and psychosocial support services.
Representing Orange Sierra Leone, Training and Talent Manager Priscilla Ngozi Okechukwu underscored the importance of prioritising mental health and emotional wellbeing within the workplace.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting initiatives that promote a healthy working environment, recognising that employee wellbeing is essential to individual development, organisational effectiveness and long-term productivity.
She further highlighted Orange Sierra Leone’s efforts to promote a culture of care, where employees are encouraged to maintain a healthy balance between their professional and personal lives while receiving the understanding and support necessary to thrive.
The company’s participation in the symposium further strengthened its partnership with the Ministry of Health and its contribution to national conversations on mental health and wellbeing.
For Orange Sierra Leone, corporate social responsibility extends beyond providing telecommunications and digital financial services. The company recognises that sustainable development also depends on the health, wellbeing and empowerment of the communities it serves.
Through its corporate social responsibility programmes and the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, the company continues to support initiatives focused on healthcare, education, digital inclusion, youth empowerment and community development.
Its involvement in the World Mental Health Day activities reflects this broader commitment to creating positive social impact through meaningful partnerships and interventions that address the needs of individuals and communities.
By supporting the national awareness walk, engaging employees through professional mental health sensitisation and contributing to the National Mental Health Symposium, Orange Sierra Leone demonstrated a holistic approach to mental health advocacy that connects workplace wellbeing with wider community health.
The partnership with the Ministry of Health also highlights the critical role that private sector organisations can play in supporting government efforts to improve public health outcomes and promote a more inclusive society.
The company’s participation in the 2026 World Mental Health Day commemoration sends a clear message that mental health deserves the same attention, understanding and support as physical health.
At Orange Sierra Leone, the message remains clear: We all have mental health. Every voice matters, every experience deserves to be heard, and together, we can build healthier workplaces, stronger communities and a more compassionate Sierra Leone.
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