Freetown: The Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services Department convened the meeting on 14 July 2026 at the Ministry of Social Welfare’s Conference Hall to review the proceedings and outcomes of the Psycho-Social Support Services and Protection Pillar engagement. The session focused on improving coordination among stakeholders delivering Psycho-Social Support services during emergency and non-emergency situations, with emphasis on collaboration, shared best practices, and stronger protection for vulnerable populations.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, in his welcome address, the Deputy Minister of Social Welfare described the meeting as timely and important. He said Sierra Leone must move beyond the stereotype of acting late, stressing that mental health and psycho-social support interventions must be prompt because they deal directly with human lives and well-being.
He also warned that outbreaks in other African countries, including Uganda, should serve as reminders that Sierra Leone must remain prepared. Reflecting on the Ebola crisis, he said earlier coordination and planning could have reduced the heavy loss of life the country suffered. He recalled that the Psychological First Aid framework was established during that period and remains an important lesson for present-day preparedness.
The Deputy Minister further explained that the meeting served two main purposes: reviving the coordination group for the Protection Pillar, which has not met for some time, and reinforcing the understanding that in health-related disasters, the psycho-social pillar is often among the first structures that must be activated. He said lessons learned from Ebola and the mudslide helped partners respond more effectively during the Covid-19 period.
He emphasized that the Ministry of Social Welfare plays a facilitating role, while partners provide technical support, shape policy implementation, and strengthen protective interventions. He added that Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services remain critical to the well-being of children, older persons, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups. On behalf of Minister Melrose Karminty, he welcomed all partners and wished them a successful engagement.
Director Ansumana Konneh, Director of Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services, said the meeting was intended to provide space for partners to review Sierra Leone’s Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support in Emergency Strategy. He described the PSS and Protection Pillar as a national coordination platform designed to guide psycho-social support and protection efforts in both emergency and non-emergency settings.
Director Konneh said the mechanism seeks to address the needs of vulnerable groups, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, and older people, who often face heightened risk during crises. He noted that coordination meetings are essential for mobilizing partners across the humanitarian sector and strengthening the national response framework.
He also raised concern over the growing vulnerability linked to substance abuse, noting that President Julius Maada Bio’s declaration of a state of public emergency should remain an issue for pillar members to consider in their planning and interventions. He thanked partners for their continued commitment and active participation.
Deputy Director of Mental Health and Psycho-Social Support Services, Mr. Gbangay Kanu, also addressed participants and spoke on the importance of reviewing the strategy document. He later delivered a PowerPoint presentation on the revised document.
Key objectives of the meeting included improving coordination among partners in the delivery of effective Psycho-Social Support services, developing a joint strategy for addressing mental health and psycho-social needs during emergencies and beyond, sharing lessons from previous interventions, identifying service gaps, and strengthening protection for women, children, older persons, and other vulnerable groups within PSS frameworks.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Ministry of Social Welfare, community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations, mental health professionals, local government officials, and international agencies.
Participants also reviewed the current state of PSS services across different regions, highlighting successful interventions as well as persistent gaps in coverage. Differences in service delivery models were noted, prompting calls for more standardized practices to ensure effective and consistent support nationwide.