TRIPOLI — After years of conflict, displacement, and recurring humanitarian crises, Libya is taking a decisive step to address the psychological wounds carried by its population. In May 2024, the Libyan Ministry of Health, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO), endorsed a National Mental Health Strategy for 2024–2030, marking a shift from fragmented, emergency-driven responses to a coordinated, long-term mental health plan.
The strategy aims to build a more resilient society where mental well-being is recognized as a fundamental human right, and where mental health care is integrated into Libya’s primary health system. Health officials say the plan focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment, and follow-up of mental illnesses, while also tackling long-standing stigma that has discouraged many Libyans from seeking help.
At the heart of the strategy is the creation of a national mental health committee, alongside efforts to train a qualified workforce of psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, and social workers. Authorities also plan to establish an integrated system to ensure quality and continuity of mental health services across the country.
A population marked by trauma
The urgency of the new strategy is underscored by Libya’s recent history. More than a decade of instability has exposed millions to violence, displacement, and economic hardship. The psychological toll became even more visible after Storm Daniel, which struck eastern Libya in September 2023, causing catastrophic flooding in the city of Derna and leaving thousands dead or missing.
Studies conducted after the disaster found high levels of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among survivors, first responders, and even medical students involved in rescue efforts. For some residents, everyday experiences such as rainfall have become powerful triggers, reviving memories of loss and fear.
“Mental health needs did not end when the floodwaters receded,” said a humanitarian worker involved in post-Derna recovery efforts. “For many people, the trauma is ongoing.”
Vulnerable groups under strain
Migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and refugees remain among the most psychologically vulnerable groups in Libya. Many face exploitation, violence, and arbitrary detention, experiences that significantly heighten the risk of mental health disorders.
To respond to these needs, organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Libyan Red Crescent have expanded mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs. These include mobile mental health teams, community-based support groups, and helplines designed to reach people in hard-to-access areas.
The WHO has also continued to appeal for more resources and trained specialists, warning that Libya’s mental health workforce remains critically understaffed.
From crisis response to system reform
For years, Libya’s mental health response has largely depended on humanitarian actors reacting to emergencies. The new national strategy represents an attempt to move beyond this model by embedding mental health services within the public health system and strengthening local capacity.
Experts say success will depend on sustained political commitment, adequate funding, and security conditions that allow services to reach all regions. Without these, the strategy risks remaining a policy document rather than a lived reality for patients.
Still, mental health advocates describe the endorsement of the strategy as a turning point.
“This is the first time Libya has articulated a long-term vision for mental health that matches the scale of its trauma,” said a Tripoli-based public health specialist. “The challenge now is implementation.”
As Libya looks toward recovery and stability, the effectiveness of its mental health reforms may prove crucial—not only for individual healing, but for rebuilding trust, resilience, and social cohesion in a society shaped by years of upheaval.
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