A mental illness survivor, Tony Ademiluyi, has inaugurated a website aimed at ending the stigmatisation of mentally challenged persons in Africa.
In a statement made available to Sunday PUNCH, Ademiluyi said the website, tagged “Africa Mental Health,” was established in December 2025 in response to growing concerns over the deteriorating state of mental health on the continent.
“Mental illness in Africa is highly misunderstood and in most cases is viewed as a spiritual attack from the devil.
“The patients are mostly stigmatized by family and friends as they are taken from one spiritual home to another and, in most cases, under the most dehumanising of conditions. Some are chained like animals and others beaten to get the ‘demons’ out of their bodies,” the statement partly read.
He said the website aims to change the perception of this illness and sensitise the public that it is like every other illness—without a cure but effectively manageable.
“It’s similar to diabetes or hypertension, which requires lifelong medications, and the patients can still live normal lives with the medications and a positive attitude,” the statement added.
“It features stories from patients using pseudonyms to protect their identities and privacy. It also features opinion pieces from mental health experts and stakeholders.”
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