The International Voluntary Mental Health Organisation (IVMHO) – The Gambia says mental health must be treated as a core part of disability inclusion if the country is to meet its obligations under the Persons with Disabilities Act 2021.

The call was made during a week of activities in July 2026 that included the orientation of new volunteers and mental health sensitisations in schools in Bundung and Kartong.

On 11 July 2026, IVMHO trained a new cohort of volunteers for the 2026–2027 service year. Mr. Abdou Drammeh, Administrative Secretary, said the organisation’s work now covers The Gambia, Guinea-Bissau and Senegal.

Mrs. Sally Mary Jassey of DLEAG linked drug abuse to mental health and called for community prevention. Mr. Amadou D. Jallow of Kanifing General Hospital told volunteers to fight stigma, stating that “mental illness should be treated like any other health condition.”

IVMHO took its campaign to schools. On 4 July, students at Nusrat Senior Secondary School in Bundung were sensitised. On 10 July St. Martin’s Lower and Upper Basic School in Kartong hosted a major MHPSS session.

Mr. Samba Baldeh, IVMHO Coordinator told students: “Everyone has mental health. It affects how we think, feel, learn and relate.”

Volunteer Ms. Fawura Ndongo listed stress, poverty, violence and academic pressure as key triggers. Teacher Mr. Baboucarr Bojang said schools must be safe spaces for learners to discuss emotional issues.

A planned community outreach in Busura Village on 12 July was postponed due to heavy rain.

IVMHO noted that while physical accessibility often dominates disability discussions, attitudinal barriers and stigma continue to exclude persons with psychosocial disabilities.

“The true measure of an inclusive society is not only how it removes physical barriers, but also how it supports emotional well-being,”_ the organisation stated.

The call is for government to integrate mental health into school health programmes, train more volunteers, and increase investment in psychosocial services to meet SDG 3 and 4 targets

By Madi S. Njie