Mental Health Benin Project #50801

Provide Psychiatric Medications in West Africa

by Les Amis de la Saint-Camille

Project Report | Apr 15, 2022
2022 First Quarterly Report

By Jocelyn Bonner | Project Co-Leader

Dr. Ahongbonon, right, consulting with staff

Dear Friends of the mentally ill in West Africa!

We have several wonderful updates to report!

Thanks to supporters like you, Association Saint-Camille (ASC) has been able to recently expand into Chad. Similar conditions are found there where people with mental illness suffer from stigma and lack of adequate care and treatment.

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new full-time psychiatrist! Dr. Nicole Ahongbonon, daughter of our founder, Gregoire Ahongbonon, has completed her psychiatry training and will add immensely to the local expertise available to the patients of ASC.

The Addiction Center in Dassa, Benin, the first in the region, is expected to have a grand opening in 2023!

Medication costs were raised by our source in India related to supply-chain issues. However, due to the long-standing and trusting relationship with the leadership of Les Amis de la Saint-Camille a modest reduction was negotiated. We appreciate their taking into consideration that most patients are unable to pay for services.

Last, but not least - Gregoire has been named the recipient of the 2022 American Psychiatric Association (APA) Dr. Chester M. Pierce Human Rights Award! To be recognized in the United States by a leading medical association is a great honor and further testimony to what Gregoire has done for over 30 years to bring treatment with dignity to this population. Gregoire will give a lecture and receive the award on May 21, 2022, in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA at the APA's annual meeting.

Please see the links announcing the award and a recent patient testimony.

Your care and concern for the mental health of those served by ASC are very much appreciated.

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