Sierra Leone presents Mental Health Bill 2026 to Parliament committee
The Health Ministry seeks to replace the 1902 Lunacy Act with a modern legal framework for mental healthcare.
Sierra Leone's Ministry of Health presented a proposed Mental Health Bill 2026 to a Parliamentary Committee on Monday, 9 November 2026, at Committee Room 1. The bill would replace the Lunacy Act of 1902, a law that is 124 years old, with a modern legal framework for mental healthcare.
The Ministry's delegation was led by Deputy Minister of Health I, Prof. Dr. Charles Senesie, and included the Acting Permanent Secretary, the Director of Primary Health Care and Dr. Abdul Jalloh, Director of Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health. The bill is designed to protect the rights and dignity of people with mental health conditions, address stigma and discrimination, and improve access to quality services.
Discussions also covered strengthening the mental health workforce, expanding community-based care, improving access to affordable treatment and essential medicines, and regulation and oversight of services. After the committee's review, the bill is expected to go to the floor of Parliament for debate.
Why it mattersPeople living with mental health conditions would gain legal protection and better access to affordable treatment and services if the bill passes, replacing a law that dates to 1902.