3112: World Mental Health Day Special: Why Mental Health Matters in Emergencies

Health experts estimate that one in five people in South Sudan experiences a mental health condition, a situation worsened by ongoing conflict and displacement.
As the country marks World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health says the gap in mental health services remains vast, with rising cases across communities.
Dr. Atong Akol, Director of Mental Health at the Ministry, says South Sudan currently has only three psychiatrists and around 30 psychologists nationwide. She adds that the ministry is developing a national roadmap to tackle mental health challenges, including stigma and the long-term effects of trauma.
In conversation with the Miraya Breakfast Show are: