Nairobi, June 1 -- As a young boy in the village, I often met people who were considered mentally unstable. We knew them by name and treated them with kindness, as long as they did not pose a threat.

However, today, mental health crises have become a major concern in Africa, and it calls for urgent action.

A recent report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) says Africa currently has the highest suicide rate globally, surpassing the global average.

Six out of 10 nations with the highest suicide rates worldwide are located on the continent.

Furthermore, the number of people affected by mental health issues in Africa has increased from 53 million in 1990 to a staggering 116 million today.

These alarming statistics highlight the urg...