October marks Mental Health Awareness Month globally, with October 10th recognized as World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme “Access to Services in Times of Crisis” resonates deeply with Rwanda’s ongoing journey of healing, resilience, and community rebuilding. At ARCT RUHUKA, we believe that mental health is not just a clinical concern—it’s a cornerstone of human dignity, social cohesion, and national development.

Mental Health in Rwanda: A  Need for mental health Services Emergency
Despite progress in trauma recovery and psychosocial support, mental health remains underfunded and stigmatized across Rwanda. Many individuals especially youth, survivors, and those in rural communities—face barriers to care, including limited services, cultural stigma, and lack of trauma-informed approaches.

Emergencies such as natural catastrophies,family conflict, landslides, poverty, and post-genocide trauma continue to affect mental well-being. According to WHO Africa, one in five people affected by crises will experience a mental health condition requiring professional care. Yet, Rwanda—like many African nations—spends less than $0.50 per capita on mental health services.

ARCT RUHUKA’s Response:   Trauma Informed Community Development
As a pioneer in trauma-informed care, ARCT RUHUKA has trained thousands of community counselors, developed multilingual intake tools, and led advocacy campaigns that center dignity and healing. Our work integrates mental health into education, youth empowerment, and gender-sensitive programming ensuring that care is accessible, inclusive, and culturally resonant.

This October, we reaffirm our commitment to:

• Expanding trauma-informed services in schools, and in the community at large
• Training frontline responders in psychological first aid
• Advocating for increased national investment in mental health
• Creating youth-friendly, multilingual resources for healing and resilience
• Breaking stigma through storytelling, art, and digital advocacy

Healing is not linear, and it’s never too late to begin. As Rwanda continues to rise, let us ensure that no one is left behind in silence. Mental health is not a privilege it’s a right. Together, we can build a nation where care is accessible, stigma is dismantled, and every story is met with compassion.