Abdi was found chained and disoriented, living under a tree near the Ethiopian border.
“Abdi's story is one of many: people abandoned or chained because of stigma, misinformation, and no access to care.”
During an outreach programme near the Ethiopian border, the GMHC team met Abdi in extremely difficult circumstances. With his relatives' consent, he was brought to the center for treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care.
Today his life has changed remarkably. His mental health has improved significantly, he takes part in daily activities, and he now volunteers at the center. We hope Abdi will soon return home and reintegrate into his community.
Human Rights Watch has documented the shackling of people with psychosocial disabilities in Somalia and across the region, a reality Rajo exists to end.3
Dr. Takar completes an assessment during a community home visit.
“After years of traditional healing, she finally received a diagnosis, and treatment that worked.”
One woman in her thirties came to the center after years of traditional healing practices, including being burned with incense to expel jinn, for what was eventually diagnosed as major depression with psychosis.
She responded well to treatment at GMHC, and today she is a peer supporter, actively helping others in her community find care sooner.4
✦
World Mental Health Day
GMHC marked World Mental Health Day 2026 with residents and the wider community under the theme “Mental Health is a Human Right,” alongside the Puntland and Federal Government mental health departments.
✎
Staff training
Regular training, most recently “Understanding Common Mental Health Problems and Skills for Rehabilitation”, strengthens the team's knowledge and welcomes newly recruited staff, funded by Rajo MHES.
☾
The Rajo Center
A dedicated space within the unit for prayer, spiritual guidance, patient education and faith-based emotional support, promoting holistic recovery and wellbeing.
