Burkina Faso is facing a worsening mental health crisis as escalating insecurity, mass displacement, and economic hardship overwhelm an already fragile healthcare system, leaving thousands of people with little or no access to psychological support.
Health experts say depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance-use disorders are rising sharply, particularly among communities affected by armed violence in the country’s northern and eastern regions.
“The scale of psychological trauma in Burkina Faso is enormous,” said Dr. Issa Traoré, a mental health specialist in Ouagadougou. “People are living in constant fear, and mental health services are simply not keeping pace with the need.”
Conflict and Displacement Fuel Trauma
Years of militant attacks have forced millions of people from their homes, creating one of the fastest-growing internal displacement crises in West Africa. Displaced families often live in overcrowded camps or host communities with limited access to healthcare, education, or livelihood opportunities.
Mental health workers say exposure to violence, loss of loved ones, and prolonged uncertainty have left many people—especially women and children—suffering from untreated trauma.
“Children who have witnessed attacks are showing signs of severe psychological distress,” said Aminata Sawadogo, a psychosocial support worker with a humanitarian organisation. “Without support, the effects can last a lifetime.”
Limited Mental Health Infrastructure
Burkina Faso has a severe shortage of trained mental health professionals, with most psychiatrists and psychologists based in the capital. Rural and conflict-affected areas have little or no access to specialised care.
Primary healthcare centres often lack staff trained in mental health, essential medications, and referral pathways.
“In many regions, there is no mental health care at all,” Dr. Traoré noted. “People are left to cope on their own.”
Stigma and Traditional Explanations
Cultural stigma and traditional beliefs further complicate access to care. Mental illness is frequently attributed to spiritual causes, discouraging people from seeking medical treatment.
Humanitarian workers say stigma is especially strong in displacement settings, where people fear discrimination or exclusion.
“Stigma silences suffering,” Sawadogo said. “Many people hide their pain rather than ask for help.”
Humanitarian Response and Gaps
International aid agencies and local organisations have expanded psychosocial support programmes in displacement camps, offering counselling and group therapy. However, experts warn that these interventions remain insufficient compared to the scale of need.
“Mental health support is still treated as secondary in humanitarian responses,” said Dr. Traoré. “But without it, recovery is incomplete.”
Calls for Urgent Action
Mental health advocates are urging the government and international partners to prioritise mental health in emergency and development planning, expand community-based services, and invest in training local mental health workers.
“Healing minds is essential to restoring stability and resilience,” Dr. Traoré added.
As insecurity continues to disrupt daily life in Burkina Faso, experts warn that ignoring the mental health toll of conflict could deepen social fragility and undermine long-term peace efforts.
About The Author
