Rwanda has been announced as the host of the 2026 Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, following the conclusion of this year’s gathering in Doha, Qatar. The announcement places Kigali at the center of global efforts to confront one of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. ALSO READ: From one psychiatrist in 1995, Rwanda's mental healthcare comes of age The Doha summit brought together ministers, government representatives, regional organizations, and leading experts. Over two days, delegates discussed strategies to strengthen mental health services worldwide, culminating in the decision to hand hosting rights to Rwanda. ALSO READ: Ketamine medicine set to play role in suicide prevention efforts, Minister Butera says Speaking at the closing session, Qatar’s Minister of Public Health, Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, underscored the significance of the deliberations. “The outcomes of this Ministerial Summit and the key priorities it identified will help strengthen investment in mental health, innovation and digital solutions, equity and inclusivity, as well as cooperation and knowledge exchange,” he said. The summit adopted a series of priorities designed to help governments transform commitments into practical national action plans, aligning with its overarching theme, “Transforming Mental Health through Investment, Innovation and Digital Solutions.” ALSO READ: Rwanda moves to scale up mental health services Officials noted that the Kigali summit will focus on harnessing technology to make mental health care more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. Key areas will include scaling up tele-mental health services, developing sustainable financing mechanisms, and exploring the use of artificial intelligence to support diagnosis and treatment, while also addressing ethical and privacy concerns. ALSO READ: More effort to tackle second-generation trauma needed - mental health activist The Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit is regarded as the leading forum for shaping international policy on mental health. Previous editions have produced shared frameworks for integrating mental health into public health, human rights, and social justice agendas, in line with the UN Human Rights Council Resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights. The Kigali summit will provide a platform for exchanging best practices, advancing community-based care models, and forging global partnerships to close the mental health treatment gap.
