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Mental health Event

Mental Health Intercountry Meetings

Accelerating progress towards the 2030 African Region Mental Health targets

East & Southern Africa
May 27–29, 2026
Johannesburg, South Africa
0 days to go
West & Central Africa
July 15–17, 2026
Lomé, Togo
0 days to go
Mental health field work
Background
The WHO Regional Office for Africa is thrilled to announce a series of subregional in-person mental health meetings to provide a platform to accelerate progress towards meeting the 2030 regional targets for mental health and support countries in the African Region better prepare to participate effectively in the 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, scheduled to take place in Rwanda, the first time this event is to be held in Africa.
2026 Mental Health Intercountry Meetings Tracks
Priority themes guiding collaboration, policy development, and strengthening mental health systems across the region.
Track 1
Presentation of country mental health landscape analyses
Track 2
Raising awareness and overcoming stigma
Track 3
Prevention and promotion of wellbeing
Track 4
Policies and strategies
Track 5
Access to services
Track 6
Capacity building
Track 7
Multisectoral engagement
Track 8
Financing systems
Track 9
Research and surveillance
Side Events

Several dedicated side sessions are planned—each addressing priority areas in mental health and wellbeing.

East & Southern Africa
  • Perinatal Mental Health
West & Central Africa
  • Child and Adolescent Mental Health & Wellbeing
About the 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit
The Global Ministerial Mental Health Summits bring together health ministers and mental health experts and provide a high-level platform to share expertise and experience. These summits also provide an advocacy opportunity for mental health promotion, prevention, treatment and care.

The 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit will provide a platform for Member States on the African continent to fully participate in the summit for the first time and potentially discuss how regional targets for mental health can be attained by 2030. Rwanda, with support from WHO, will host the summit in March 2027.
Mental Health Summit

Media

The 2026 mental health intercountry meeting committee is keen on engaging members of the press and encourages their involvement. If you wish to arrange for interviews ahead of meetings or have any other media inquiries, please contact the WHO Regional Office for Africa.

Email: mentalhealthafro@who.int

12 March 2023

The WHO Regional Office for Africa is thrilled to announce a series of subregional in-person  mental health meetings to provide a platform to accelerate progress towards meeting the 2030 regional targets for mental health and support countries in the African Region better prepare to participate effectively in the 7th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, scheduled to take place in Rwanda, the first time this event is to be held in Africa.