Gabon officials demand urgent roadmap for mental health crisis

Gabon's Vice President of Government, Hermann Immongault, has called for an urgent roadmap to address the rising mental health crisis in the country. During a working session with Health Minister Elsa Nkana Joséphine Ayo-Bivigou, officials discussed the increasing number of individuals suffering from mental health issues who are wandering the streets, particularly in the Grand Libreville area.

The meeting focused on improving care at the Melen Psychiatric Hospital, a reference institution currently facing significant capacity shortages. The proposed emergency plan aims to enhance care mechanisms, increase specialized treatment accessibility, improve patient transport, and expand both human and financial resources to manage the growing number of patients.