Orange Sierra Leone Joins National Mental Health Campaign

Orange Sierra Leone joined the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders in a series of activities to mark World Mental Health Day 2026, combining public outreach, workplace education and national dialogue in Freetown.

The programme included a mental health awareness walk, an employee sensitization session and participation in and sponsorship of a national mental health symposium. The activities were held on 10, 12 and 15 October.

Awareness walk draws hundreds

The commemorations began on 10 October with a walk from Youyi Building to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown. The event was organized by the Directorate of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Orange Sierra Leone and other stakeholders.

Hundreds of people took part, including healthcare professionals, youth organisations, representatives of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital and members of the public.

The walk was intended to improve public understanding of mental health conditions, challenge discrimination and encourage people experiencing psychological difficulties to seek professional assistance. Addressing participants, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mustapha Kabba emphasized that mental health conditions require medical attention, compassion and appropriate treatment rather than discrimination or prejudice.

Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Director of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases, also called for wider mental health education and improved access to professional services.

Workplace wellbeing in focus

On 12 October, Orange Sierra Leone held a Mental Health Awareness and Sensitization Talk for its employees at the company’s headquarters in Hill Station.

The session covered emotional wellbeing, stress management, work-life balance and early warning signs of mental health challenges. Its theme was “We All Have Mental Health.”

The engagement highlighted a shared responsibility between employers and employees to create healthy working environments through supportive policies, understanding and open communication. Orange Sierra Leone also reaffirmed its commitment to a supportive professional environment, employee wellbeing and the need to encourage healthy work-life balance while ensuring employees receive appropriate understanding and support.

National symposium examines services

Orange Sierra Leone participated in and sponsored the National Mental Health Symposium on 15 October at the Miatta Conference Centre in Brookfields, Freetown.

The symposium brought together Government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners and civil society representatives. Discussions examined mental health challenges and opportunities to strengthen awareness, treatment and psychosocial support services.

Priscilla Ngozi Okechukwu, Training and Talent Manager at Orange Sierra Leone, emphasized that mental health considerations should be incorporated into workplace policies and organizational practices. She also said employee wellbeing contributes significantly to productivity, personal development and organizational effectiveness.

Orange Sierra Leone said its participation formed part of a broader corporate social responsibility agenda covering healthcare, education, digital inclusion, youth empowerment and community development. The company supports such initiatives through its corporate social responsibility programmes and the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation.