The Gambia is taking cautious steps toward improving mental health care, but experts warn that limited facilities, low funding, and deep-rooted stigma continue to prevent many citizens from accessing timely and adequate support.
Mental health advocates say cases of depression, anxiety, substance-use disorders, and psychosis are rising, driven by unemployment, economic pressure, and social stress, particularly among young people. Yet mental health services remain scarce in the country of just over two million people.
“Mental health is still one of the most neglected areas of healthcare in The Gambia,” said Dr. Lamin Jarju, a public health physician in Banjul. “Many people who need help simply do not know where to find it.”
Limited Facilities, Heavy Burden
The country relies heavily on the Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital, its main mental health facility, which has long struggled with overcrowding, limited staffing, and inadequate funding. Outside the capital, access to specialised mental health care is extremely limited.
According to health workers, many patients travel long distances to receive treatment, while others abandon care altogether due to cost and lack of awareness.
“For people in rural communities, mental health services are almost nonexistent,” said Fatou Sowe, a psychiatric nurse working in the West Coast Region. “Primary health centres are often not equipped to handle mental health cases.”
Stigma and Cultural Perceptions
Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to mental health care in The Gambia. Mental illness is commonly associated with spiritual causes or moral weakness, leading families to seek help from traditional or religious healers rather than medical professionals.
Advocates say this often delays treatment and worsens conditions.
“People are afraid of being labelled or isolated,” said Musa Jallow, a mental health awareness campaigner. “Silence and shame keep many sufferers hidden.”
Youth and Substance Abuse Concerns
Mental health professionals have expressed growing concern over substance abuse among young people, particularly the misuse of alcohol, cannabis, and prescription drugs. Experts link the trend to unemployment, peer pressure, and lack of counselling services.
“We are seeing more young people with mental health issues linked to drug use,” Jallow noted. “Early intervention could prevent long-term damage.”
Signs of Reform and Advocacy
In recent years, the Gambian government has signalled increased commitment to mental health through policy discussions and collaboration with international partners. There are ongoing efforts to integrate mental health into primary healthcare and train more mental health workers.
Civil society organisations and the media are also playing a role in raising awareness and challenging stigma.
“Change is happening, but it is slow,” Dr. Jarju said. “Mental health needs sustained political attention, not short-term projects.”
Looking Ahead
Experts stress that improving mental health in The Gambia will require increased funding, expansion of community-based services, and stronger public education campaigns.
As the country works to strengthen its health system, advocates say recognising mental health as a public health priority is essential to improving overall wellbeing and social stability.
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