On the eve of World Mental Health Day, celebrated on October 10, the Department of Education, Training and Sports Sciences (SEFS) at Gaston Berger University (UGB) in Saint-Louis organized two awareness-raising and training days dedicated to mental health. This initiative was welcomed by ECOWAS, represented by Zelma Fassinou Nobre, Resident in Senegal.

A strong commitment to well-being and human capital

Professor Assane Diakhaté, director of the UFR SEFS, stressed the importance of these days which are part of the mental health policy developed over several years at the UGB.

"It's not about waiting until you're sick to act. We must prevent, listen, and support, because in our families, schools, and administrations, many are suffering in silence," he said.

The UFR SEFS has established a mental health unit and developed a well-being charter. These initiatives aim to strengthen human capital development through prevention, training, and psychological support. Several activities were held over the two days, including relaxation sessions, stress management, massage therapy, awareness workshops, and open days.

Professor Diakhaté also announced an innovative Mobile Mental Health (MMH) program. This initiative will involve 500 students trained to work in schools and communities to conduct initial psychological tests and counseling. These efforts will be complemented by the support of badianu gokh (female community outreach workers), who are already trained in awareness-raising and preventive care.

ECOWAS's plea for mental health

Speaking, Zelma Fassinou Nobre, Resident Representative of ECOWAS in Senegal, welcomed this civic approach by the UGB and recalled the central place of mental well-being in the development of African societies.

"ECOWAS is not limited to economic issues. We are here to support our states in developing human capital, because mental health is at the very heart of our development," she said.

She emphasized the need to change the perception of mental health, which is often associated solely with madness. "Mental health is not just about serious disorders. Even a person with malaria, if they don't feel well psychologically, can't get proper treatment," she said.

A response to an urgent national need

Senegal has only about thirty psychiatrists nationwide, an alarming figure given the growing demand. Through these initiatives, the UFR SEFS and its partners aim to address this deficit by focusing on training, prevention, and the decentralization of psychological support.

These days served to reiterate a key message: mental well-being is a pillar of sustainable human development. By taking action today on prevention and awareness, Gaston Berger University is helping to build a more balanced, resilient society, aware of the importance of mental health.