Leading mental health experts, policymakers, and community leaders will gather for the 2nd South African Mental Health Conference on 28–29 October 2025 at Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg to tackle South Africa’s massive 90% mental health treatment gap.
The conference aims to integrate mental health care into primary and community health systems, especially for people living with chronic illnesses like HIV, where untreated depression, anxiety, and substance-use disorders hinder recovery.
South Africa has the world’s largest HIV programme, with 6.2 million people on treatment, yet many remain without access to essential mental health services.
“We know what works. We know why it matters. The question now is: why aren’t we acting fast enough?” said Prof Jason Bantje, Conference Chair. “This conference is a defining moment to move beyond talk into transformation.”
Building on the progress made since its 2023 debut, the conference promotes collaboration among professionals, people with lived experience, and policymakers under the theme “Together for Mental Health.”
For registration and media enquiries, visit www.mentalhealthconference.co.za or contact 012 110 4080 / [email protected].
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