World Mental Health Day was marked on 10 October 2026 across the Central African Republic. World Mental Health Day was celebrated on October 10, 2026. Dr. Caleb Ketté, head of the psychiatry department at the University Hospital Center of Bangui, served as a guest on a program broadcast by Radio Ndeke Luka to discuss the state of mental health care in the country.
The broadcast, produced in partnership with Fondation Hirondelle, focused on the challenges facing patients in Bangui. During the hour-long discussion, the conversation centered on the daily realities for those seeking professional psychiatric assistance within the capital city. Dr. Caleb Ketté outlined the current clinical capacity and the specific needs of the population during the discussion. He explained that the department at the University Hospital Center of Bangui serves as a primary point of contact for many individuals experiencing acute mental health crises.
Reports from Human Right Watch have previously identified the limited resources available for psychiatric treatment in the region. These reports have noted the scarcity of specialized medication and the restricted number of beds available for inpatient care. The appearance of Dr. Caleb Ketté provided an overview of the medical infrastructure currently operating within the University Hospital Center of Bangui.
Dr. Caleb Ketté noted that the staff at the University Hospital Center of Bangui work under significant pressure to maintain consistent care standards. He emphasized that the collaboration with Radio Ndeke Luka and Fondation Hirondelle serves as a vital mechanism for public education regarding mental health. By utilizing the reach of Radio Ndeke Luka, the psychiatry department aims to reduce the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions while informing the public about the services offered at the University Hospital Center of Bangui.
The discussion also touched upon the logistical difficulties faced by patients attempting to access the facility. Dr. Caleb Ketté described how the current medical infrastructure is strained by the volume of patients arriving from various districts. Fondation Hirondelle has facilitated these broadcasts to ensure that information regarding available psychiatric resources reaches a broader segment of the population.
The findings documented by Human Right Watch serve as a backdrop to the clinical challenges described by Dr. Caleb Ketté. The psychiatry department at the University Hospital Center of Bangui remains the central institution tasked with addressing these complex health requirements. As the Central African Republic continues to navigate the development of its public health sector, the role of the University Hospital Center of Bangui remains critical. Dr. Caleb Ketté concluded his remarks by reiterating the necessity for sustained attention to the mental health infrastructure within the country. The partnership between Radio Ndeke Luka and Fondation Hirondelle continues to provide a platform for these essential medical updates, ensuring that the public is aware of the ongoing efforts to support mental health patients in Bangui.
