We Must Have Stronger Focus on Mental Health for School-Going Pupils.

Mustapha Kabba, DCMO Clinical Ministry of Health Stress, anxiety, and trauma, all related to mental health conditions, can significantly affect concentration, memory loss, and overall performance, not just among adults, but also among school-going pupils. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that over a billion people are silently battling mental health challenges without adequate help and these challenges are more pronounced in low-resourced countries especially in Africa.

In Sierra Leone, an estimated 15% of the population is affected by mental health disorders, conditions largely attributed to successive traumatic events including civil war, Ebola, mudslides, and extreme levels of poverty.

This harsh reality, especially among young people, was the main topic of attention for Sierra Leone’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer—Clinical, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, as he performed the esteemed role of keynote speaker at this year’s annual speech day and prize-giving ceremony of the Prince of Wales School. His compelling speech was a powerful reminder to prioritize mental health challenges in education.

Dr. Kabba seized the opportunity to reflect on the growing mental health issues among young people in Sierra Leone, a phenomenon he attributed to rampant drug abuse, peer and family pressures. Speaking on the theme “Mental Health and its Impact on the Educational Sector in Sierra Leone,” he emphasized that true academic success depends not only on intelligence, but also on the strength and well-being of the mind.

The DCMO Clinical warned that; “what often begins as experimentation can quickly degenerate into addiction, undermining both education and prospects.”

He called on teachers and parents to not just be attentive to the educational progress of children, but also to their mental well-being. Dr. Kabba called on everyone to play a proactive role in identifying and supporting students experiencing mental health difficulties; emphasizing the importance of early intervention and guidance as life-saving options.

As an old boy of the school himself, Dr. Kabba, announced a significant pledge to renovate and strengthen the school’s science lab; a commitment that got both pupils and teachers excited about the progress of the school.

He said, “Modern laboratory facilities are critical for effective learning, enabling students to engage in practical scientific exploration and innovation.” Kabba concluded that he pledged to help enhance academic performance and inspire future professionals in medicine, engineering, and other scientific fields.

Correspondent-John T. Allieu

Email: Jallieu004@gmail.com

Tel: +232-74714183