Ministry of Health Partners with Johnson & Johnson to Expand Mental Health Services
Left to right: -Dr. Mercy Karanja, Head of the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health -Sanae Mousannif, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Dr. Fred Owiti, Psychiatrist Daisy Peresian, Person with Lived experience Anthony Gitau, the Director of Program Delivery & Impact, Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson
Kenya’s mental health sector has received a major boost following the launch of a partnership between the Ministry of Health and Johnson & Johnson aimed at expanding access to quality mental health services and reducing stigma across the country.
The initiative, dubbed the Kenya Mental Health Project, seeks to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers and community leaders to identify, manage, and support individuals with mental health conditions at all levels of care. The project targets training 5,000 Community Health Assistants and 100,000 Community Health Promoters by 2026, equipping them with vital skills to detect and respond to mental health needs within their communities.
Speaking during the launch held on the sidelines of the 2nd National Mental Health Conference in Nairobi, Dr. Mercy Karanja, Head of the Division of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, said the initiative marks a turning point in Kenya’s efforts to decentralize and improve access to mental health care.
“Collaborating with Johnson & Johnson allows us to expand mental health services beyond clinics, directly reaching communities and equipping them to address challenges proactively, this initiative represents a significant step toward a more resilient and inclusive mental health system in Kenya.” Said Dr. Karanja.
She noted that mental health conditions remain a growing public health concern, contributing significantly to the country’s disease burden and economic losses.
“Mental health challenges cost Kenya about 0.6 per cent of its GDP, largely due to absenteeism and reduced productivity among workers experiencing psychological distress, we must invest in preventive and community-based approaches if we are to safeguard both our people and our economy.” She said.
Dr. Karanja further pointed out that despite key legal milestones, including the Mental Health (Amendment) Act 2023, major gaps persist in infrastructure and funding. Only 14 counties have inpatient mental health units, while more than 75 per cent of those needing care do not receive it.
“The stigma surrounding mental illness continues to discourage many from seeking help, and through this collaboration, we want to bring care closer to the people, normalize conversations around mental health, and ensure that every Kenyan has access to support when needed,” she said.
The government, through the Ministry of Health, is implementing reforms under the Kenya Mental Health Policy (2015–2030) and the Suicide Prevention Strategy (2021–2026) to integrate mental health into primary healthcare systems. The new partnership with Johnson & Johnson builds on these frameworks to enhance training, research, and public awareness.
On her part, Sanae Mousannif, General Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine, lauded Kenya’s leadership in advancing mental health reforms and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting sustainable solutions.
“At the heart of this initiative are the people it seeks to serve, by working hand in hand with healthcare providers, we aim to equip them with the skills and resources needed to support patients, caregivers, and communities throughout their mental health journey,” said Mousannif.
She emphasized that addressing mental health is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from governments, private sector partners, and civil society.
“Equitable access to mental health services is essential, and through partnerships like this, we can make it a reality. Investing in mental health not only improves wellbeing but also strengthens productivity and resilience in communities.” , Mousannif stated.
Mousannif highlighted that mental health disorders affect nearly 191 million people globally, with a growing impact in Africa. She said Johnson & Johnson’s approach focuses on empowering local systems to deliver lasting change.
The initiative will also include public awareness campaigns and community engagement programmes aimed at promoting early intervention, challenging stereotypes, and encouraging open conversations around mental health.
Anthony Gitau, Director of Program Delivery & Impact, Global Health Equity at Johnson & Johnson, said empowering healthcare workers is central to improving mental health outcomes.
“Lasting progress in mental health care requires strengthening and supporting those who make care possible. By equipping health facilities and frontline workers, we are making it easier for Kenyans to seek help early, without fear or delay.” Said Gitau.
He added that partnerships between the public and private sectors are vital in building sustainable health systems that meet the needs of communities.
“Our goal is to ensure that every intervention we support leaves a long-term impact, and together with the Ministry of Health, we aim to create a network of empowered health workers who can provide compassionate and accessible care to all.” He noted.
The Kenya Mental Health Project aligns with the government’s broader goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and creating a stigma-free society. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the collaboration will serve as a model for other African countries seeking to address mental health challenges through community-based approaches.
