March 09, 2026
SRHIN’s BraveHeart Project Leads Conversation at WHO’s “Mental Health by Africa for Africa” Convening in Accra, Ghana.
- Oregbesan Peace, SRHIN
Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN) participated in the World Health Organization (WHO) “Mental Health by Africa for Africa” Invitational Convening held today, March 5, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, an exclusive gathering bringing together some of the continent’s most influential mental health leaders, researchers, innovators, and policymakers. Held at the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel, the prestigious event also brought together representatives from all three World Health Organization (WHO) MentalHealth Collaborating Centres in Africa, highlighting its significance in shaping the future of mental health leadership and innovation across the continent while creating a platform for African experts to exchange ideas, strengthen collaborations, and explore solutions for advancing mental health systems.
Representing SRHIN at the convening were Dr. Isaac Olufadewa, Executive Director of Slum and Rural Health Initiative, and Miracle Adesina, Country Coordinator, who contributed to discussions highlighting both innovative mental health interventions and community-driven approaches to strengthening mental health systems in Africa.
Convening Africa’s Leading Voices in Mental Health
The convening was organized by some of the most respected institutions in global mental health, including the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, Ashesi University, the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Ghana, and One Mind.
Leading the convening were globally recognized mental health experts Geoffrey M. Reed and Ohemaa Poku of the Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, whose work has played an important role in advancing global mental health policy, research, and leadership development.
The opening keynote session featured insights from two of Africa’s most influential mental health authorities: Professor Oye Gureje from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most distinguished psychiatrists and a leading voice in global mental health research, and Dr. Chido Rwafa Madzvamutse of the World Health Organization, who highlighted the WHO’s priorities for strengthening mental health systems across the African region. Their remarks set the tone for a day focused on African leadership, collaboration, and innovation in addressing the continent’s growing mental health needs.
Innovations in African Mental Health Interventions
During the session on African innovations in mental health interventions, Dr. Isaac Olufadewa highlighted the BraveHeart Project, our flagship youth mental health initiative designed to equip young people with practical skills that strengthen emotional resilience, mental health literacy, and healthy decision-making.
The BraveHeart Project has become a pioneering model for youth-centered mental health programming in Africa, combining school-based education, digital learning tools, teacher training, and youth empowerment strategies to address mental health challenges among adolescents.
Dr. Olufadewa’s presentation positioned the BraveHeart Project among emerging African-led innovations that are transforming how mental health education and prevention are delivered to young people across the continent.
Community Engagement and Mental Health Solutions
In another key session focused on engaging communities and integrating lived experience, Miracle Adesina shared insights on SRHIN’s community-centered approach to advancing mental health awareness and support among underserved populations.
His contribution highlighted how meaningful community engagement, local partnerships, and culturally responsive interventions are essential to building sustainable mental health solutions. Through our work in underserved communities, SRHIN continues to demonstrate how community-led approaches can strengthen mental health awareness, prevention, and support systems where they are needed most.
Across all our programs, we prioritize approaches that place communities at the center of health interventions, ensuring that mental health awareness and support services remain accessible, inclusive, and locally relevant.
Strengthening African Leadership in Mental Health
The “Mental Health by Africa for Africa” convening reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that African leaders, institutions, and organizations are at the forefront of shaping solutions for the continent’s mental health challenges.
By bringing together innovators, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders, the gathering provides a valuable opportunity to foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and advance African-led innovation in mental health.
Our participation in this important convening reflects the organization’s continued commitment to contributing to global mental health dialogue while advancing locally grounded, evidence-based programs that improve wellbeing across communities in Africa. Through initiatives such as the BraveHeart Project and its broader community health efforts, we remain dedicated to strengthening mental health awareness, prevention, and support systems for young people and vulnerable populations.
Explore the BraveHeart Project and its work advancing youth mental health across communities. (Click Here)