ECOWAS and Gaston Berger University Launch Mental Health Initiative to Strengthen Human Capital in Senegal

By Joylinda Laryea / 12 October 2025

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), in partnership with Gaston Berger University, has launched a new initiative to promote mental health as a key pillar of human capital development in Senegal.

The programme was officially inaugurated on 9–10 October 2025 at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, under the leadership of Ambassador Zelma Nobre Fassinou, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Senegal. Organised ahead of World Mental Health Day and supported by the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), the campaign aims to raise awareness within the university community on the importance of psychological well-being for academic success, resilience and social inclusion.

The launch brought together academic leaders, health professionals and members of the ECOWAS Club at Gaston Berger University, signalling strong institutional backing for the initiative.

According to ECOWAS, the partnership reflects its broader regional strategy to integrate mental health into education and development policies, ensuring that young people are equipped not only intellectually but emotionally to contribute to national growth.

Officials emphasised that mental health challenges remain a silent barrier to productivity and social cohesion across West Africa, and called for universities to become safe spaces for dialogue, support and early intervention.

The activities rolled out during the launch are expected to serve as a model for similar initiatives across other higher education institutions in the region.