Every October 10, Rwanda joins the rest of the world to mark World Mental Health Day, a moment to reflect, raise awareness, and reaffirm the nation’s commitment to advancing mental well-being for all.

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This year’s global theme "Mental Health in Humanitarian Emergencies,” resonates with Rwanda, a nation that has transformed its painful history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and trauma into an inspiring story of resilience and recovery.

According to the Rwanda Mental Health Survey of 2018, one in five Rwandans lives with a mental health condition. Yet, only about five per cent of those in need access mental health services, despite 61 per cent of the population knowing where such services can be found.

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Recent data from the Rwanda Biomedical Centre (RBC) highlight the growing demand for mental health care. In August, 52,441 individuals sought mental health services across the country. Specialized institutions such as Ndera Neuropsychiatric Hospital and Icyizere Psychotherapy Centre attended to 10,204 outpatients and 494 inpatients, while Kigali Referral Mental Health Centre treated 239 outpatients and 24 inpatients.

Similarly, Huye Isange Rehabilitation Centre provided care for 65 inpatients, and national referral hospitals including CHUK, CHUB, Rwanda Military Hospital and King Faisal Hospital jointly managed 1,019 outpatients. Mental health units within district, provincial, and teaching hospitals attended to 6,104 outpatients and 564 inpatients, while health centres recorded 33,728 outpatient consultations.

At the community level, trained Community Health Workers (CHWs) referred 370 individuals with mental health concerns to health facilities.

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Dr Darius Gishoma, Mental Health Division Manager at RBC, emphasized that World Mental Health Day is far more than a symbolic day.

"The day matters in Rwanda because it raises awareness, strengthens national efforts, and unites all stakeholders under one vision: ensuring the mental well-being of all Rwandans through prevention, education, early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and support,” said Gishoma.

He added that Rwanda uses this global platform to fight stigma and remind everyone, from policymakers to families, that mental health is a shared responsibility.

"This year’s theme aligns closely with the Ministry of Health’s priorities, particularly the drive toward universal access, integrated, people-centred care, and community resilience.” he noted.

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For mental health professionals and advocates, the day is also a time for introspection, a moment to assess progress, celebrate milestones, and renew commitments.

Uzziel Manirareba, a PhD scholar in Clinical Psychology affiliated with the University of Rwanda, reflected on the broader meaning of the observance of the day.

"World Mental Health Day is not only about awareness, it’s about stigma reduction and the promotion of mental well-being,” he said.

"Rwanda has made tremendous strides since the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, when mental health was in crisis. Today, services are decentralized, from community health workers at the village level to specialized hospitals. Challenges remain, including affordability and a shortage of professionals, but the progress is undeniable.”

Manirareba also underscored the dual responsibility of individuals and institutions in sustaining mental wellness.

"Every individual should cultivate self-awareness, know their strengths, weaknesses, and when to seek support. Institutions, meanwhile, must integrate mental health into all essential services, ensure informed decision-making, and uphold the principle of Do No Harm.”

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Annualite Uwayezu, the founder of Chase a Better Tomorrow, an NGO promoting emotional and psychological well-being in Gasabo District, the day serves as both a reminder and a call to action.

"Rwanda’s history left deep emotional scars. This day helps us keep mental health at the centre of national dialogue, encouraging compassion, open conversations, and shared responsibility for emotional resilience,” Uwayezu said.

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Uwayezu believes that normalization of emotional expression is key. "We must normalize emotional expression and help-seeking. At the community level, schools, families, and local leaders should create safe spaces for dialogue. And at the institutional level, investment in mental health education, early interventions, and trained professionals must continue.”

While Rwanda’s progress in integrating mental health into its healthcare system and promoting awareness through schools and the media is commendable, Uwayezu noted that stigma and limited access in rural areas remain significant challenges.

"We still need more community-based and child-centred approaches,” she noted.

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The government continues to prioritize community-based mental health and psychosocial programmes, focusing on promotion, prevention, and resilience-building. Mental health is now integrated into primary healthcare services, with polyvalent training modules enabling community health workers to identify, refer, and follow up on individuals in need.

Additionally, RBC has established a Technical Working Group to coordinate community stakeholders, document best practices, and ensure interventions remain harmonized and evidence-based. National awareness campaigns targeting religious leaders, local officials, and communities are also strengthening mental health literacy across the country.

Furthermore, psychosocial interventions such as peer support groups for individuals facing mental illness or substance use challenges have been established at the community level. These are facilitated by trained volunteers under the supervision of mental health professionals from district hospitals and RBC.