Orange Sierra Leone has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness, employee wellbeing and community development through a series of activities organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026.
The telecommunications company participated in a national awareness walk, organized an employee sensitization programme and supported the National Mental Health Symposium, demonstrating its commitment to addressing mental health challenges and reducing stigma across Sierra Leone.
The commemoration commenced on Saturday, 10 October 2026, with a Mental Health Awareness Walk from Youyi Building to Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown.
Organized by the Directorate of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Orange Sierra Leone and other stakeholders, the event attracted hundreds of participants, including healthcare professionals, youth organisations, representatives of the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital and members of the public.
The exercise sought to increase public understanding of mental health conditions, challenge discrimination and encourage individuals experiencing psychological difficulties to seek appropriate professional assistance.
Addressing participants, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Mustapha Kabba, commended Orange Sierra Leone for supporting national mental health initiatives and contributing to efforts aimed at eliminating stigma and social exclusion.
He emphasized that mental health conditions require medical attention, compassion and appropriate treatment rather than discrimination or prejudice.
Similarly, the Director of Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdul Jalloh, stressed the importance of expanding mental health education and improving access to professional services.
The Consultant Psychiatrist encouraged families, educational institutions, religious organisations and employers to establish supportive environments where individuals could discuss mental health concerns without fear of judgment.
Extending the campaign to its workforce, Orange Sierra Leone organized a Mental Health Awareness and Sensitization Talk on Monday, 12 October 2026, at its headquarters on Hill Station, Freetown.
Held under the theme “We All Have Mental Health,” the interactive session featured Dr. Abdul Jalloh, who educated employees on emotional wellbeing, stress management, work-life balance and the importance of recognizing early warning signs of mental health challenges.
Participants discussed workplace pressures, personal responsibilities and practical measures for maintaining psychological wellbeing.
The engagement also highlighted the shared responsibility of employers and employees in creating healthy working environments through supportive policies, understanding and open communication.
Orange Sierra Leone subsequently participated in and sponsored the National Mental Health Symposium organized by the Ministry of Health on Thursday, 15 October 2026, at the Miatta Conference Centre in Brookfields, Freetown.
The symposium brought together Government officials, healthcare professionals, development partners and civil society representatives to examine mental health challenges and identify opportunities for strengthening awareness, treatment and psychosocial support services.
Representing Orange Sierra Leone, Training and Talent Manager Priscilla Ngozi Okechukwu emphasized the importance of integrating mental health considerations into workplace policies and organizational practices.
She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to creating a supportive professional environment, noting that employee wellbeing contributes significantly to productivity, personal development and organizational effectiveness.
She further highlighted the need to encourage healthy work-life balance while ensuring that employees receive appropriate understanding and support.
Orange Sierra Leone’s involvement forms part of its broader corporate social responsibility agenda, which prioritizes healthcare, education, digital inclusion, youth empowerment and community development.
Through its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and the Orange Sierra Leone Foundation, the company continues to support initiatives designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen community wellbeing.
The collaboration with the Ministry of Health underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in addressing national healthcare challenges.
By combining community outreach, employee education and participation in national policy discussions, Orange Sierra Leone has reinforced its position as a private-sector partner in promoting mental health awareness.
The company’s message throughout the commemoration remained consistent: mental health deserves the same attention, compassion and support as physical health, while healthier workplaces and stronger communities depend on collective responsibility.
