The WHO estimates that up to 90% of people with mental health conditions in low-income countries, many of which are in Africa, receive no treatment at all.
The 2024 Ipsos Global Health Survey (31 countries, 23,667 respondents) found that 45% of people globally named mental health as their biggest health concern up from just 27% in 2018.
But here’s what’s even more striking: Stress (31%), Drug abuse (21%), and Alcohol abuse (16%) were all listed as separate concerns in this survey.
Yet clinically, stress is a core mental health presentation, and both drug and alcohol abuse fall under substance use disorders which are recognised mental health conditions. If we counted them together, the true weight of mental health concern in this data would be far greater than 45%.
And the 2025 update? The numbers have climbed even higher with countries like Chile reaching 68%, and mental health now ranking as the number one healthcare priority in 18 out of 30 countries surveyed. The trend is not slowing down. If anything, it is accelerating. And for those of us working in African contexts this picture looks even more complex. In many parts of Africa, mental health remains heavily stigmatised, underreported, and underfunded.
The WHO estimates that up to 90% of people with mental health conditions in low-income countries many of which are in Africa receive no treatment at all. Infectious diseases, maternal health, and malnutrition still dominate health agendas, meaning mental health rarely makes it to the top of public concern not because it isn’t present, but because it isn’t yet named.
The world is waking up. Africa cannot afford to be left behind.
Mental health is not a luxury. It is not a Western concept. It is not weakness. It is the foundation upon which everything else; relationships, productivity, parenting, community is built. We all need to make it a priority. There is no health without mental health!
Sources:
- LinkedIn (8 Apr 2026), (Ruth M. Chatata, Counseling Psychologist | PhD Researcher | Clinical Practice & Mental Health) -> Follow the Conversation/Comments
- Ipsos Health Service Report 2024 | Ipsos Health Service Report 2025
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