Mental Health, a Path to Resilience and Hope

In response to this situation, Action Against Hunger has set up several projects, including Confluence, RESILAC and the project ‘Response to crises focused on food security, WASH interventions and healthcare in West and Central Africa’ funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). These initiatives not only aim to meet basic needs in nutrition, health, water, hygiene and sanitation, but also incorporate an often-neglected component: mental health and psychosocial support. Since 2020, these services have been integrated into primary health care in order to support populations affected psychologically by crises. 

In response to this situation, Action Against Hunger has set up several projects, including Confluence, RESILAC and the project ‘Response to crises focused on food security, WASH interventions and healthcare in West and Central Africa’ funded by the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO). These initiatives not only aim to meet basic needs in nutrition, health, water, hygiene and sanitation, but also incorporate an often-neglected component: mental health and psychosocial support. Since 2020, these services have been integrated into primary health care in order to support populations affected psychologically by crises. 

Mobile clinics offer much more than medical care: they restore hope, as recounted by Mr T, a 45-year-old beneficiary currently living in a camp for internally displaced persons where ACF is working. “After fleeing the attacks by Boko Haram, I was tormented by the loss of my loved ones, but thanks to Action Against Hunger, I feel much better. At first, I didn’t believe these sessions could help me, but I realise now that I am not alone. By the grace of God, it works.” 

Mr T. has several mental health issues: he suffers from frequent nightmares that plunge him back into traumatic scenes he has experienced, persistent fatigue, significant weight loss and progressive isolation. He systematically avoids places and sounds associated with traumatic events, which reduces his social interactions and accentuates his feelings of loneliness. Overwhelmed by deep despair and the inability to provide for his family, his emotional state has deteriorated considerably. 

Mr T. had the opportunity to participate in a psychosocial support programme based on a four-session emotional stabilisation protocol. These sessions enabled him to express his emotions, develop coping strategies and strengthen his resilience. Thanks to the support of the group and the exchange of experiences, he was able to share his experiences, draw inspiration from the journeys of other participants, and learn relaxation techniques. 

At the end of the four sessions, a noticeable improvement in his condition was observed. The intense sadness that was very pronounced at the outset had significantly diminished. Mr T. is now able to take care of himself, particularly in terms of personal hygiene, and has become more open to other members of the group. He reports a marked improvement in his well-being, attributing this progress to the collective support and relaxation exercises, which have helped him break out of his isolation. He explains that he thought he was the only one going through such a situation, but sharing experiences has allowed him to put things into perspective and feel understood. Although the nightmares persist, their frequency and intensity have decreased, allowing him to sleep better. In addition, he has started going out more often and interacting with other beneficiaries in the camp, strengthening his sense of belonging. 

This experience shows how essential mental health is in supporting populations facing violence and displacement. Inspired by these successes in the field, Jules Brice Mbida, a humanitarian nurse with Action Against Hunger, has in turn committed himself to promoting mental health, convinced that it is the key to lasting recovery and collective resilience. 

However, the needs remain immense: the systematic integration of mental health into health services is still limited, and access to these services remains restricted. To address this, Action Against Hunger has launched the RASAM-REN Forum (Network of Mental Health Actors in the Far North Region), a multi-stakeholder space dedicated to exchange, awareness-raising and advocacy. The third edition of this forum was held in Maroua on 9 December 2024, as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign.  

Since 2014, Jules Brice has been working tirelessly in the most affected areas of the region. But behind his dedication, he was going through a period of doubt, stress and emotional exhaustion. His encounter with the RASAM-REN Forum marked a turning point.

‘Before the forum, I didn’t fully understand mental health approaches. Today, my perception of care has changed. I understand that a patient needs not only medication, but also someone to listen and support them.’

Jules Brice Mbida  

Armed with this awareness, Jules Brice enrolled in a Master’s degree programme in mental health at the University of Maroua. This choice had a ripple effect: several of his colleagues at the health centre are now interested in pursuing similar studies, helping to strengthen local human resources in mental health. Thanks to his new skills, Jules Brice is involved in implementing mental health activities such as community awareness sessions and discussion groups within the health facilities where Action Against Hunger operates.  

This change is already being felt in her community. Beneficiaries such as Amina, an internally displaced person from Koza, testify: ‘Before, I thought that talking about my suffering was a sign of weakness. Today, thanks to Mr Brice and his team, I have learned that there are solutions, that healing also means taking care of your mind.’  

These actions strengthen trust between patients and caregivers, reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues, and promote more humane and comprehensive care.  

At the regional level, the RASAM-REN Forum acts as a catalyst for change. It enables:  

• Strengthen coordination between mental health stakeholders; 

• Encourage training and research through partnerships with academic institutions such as the University of Maroua; 

• Promote advocacy for better integration of mental health into public policy. 

Like the story of Jules Brices Mbida, these mental health initiatives help to strengthen the resilience and well-being of communities in the region.