Problem Statement

Mental health has a critical impact on economic development and people's well-being, yet health systems still fail to respond adequately to the burden of mental disorders. Around 76% to 85% of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive treatment, while around 35% to 50% of people with mental disorders in high-income countries are in the same situation. This reality fundamentally affects the most vulnerable, considering that people exposed to difficulties and in situations of extreme poverty are at greater risk of developing mental and behavioral disorders, especially children and adolescents, the elderly, and victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence. In Angola, data from the Ministry of Health shows that in 2018, around 31619 cases of people affected by mental disorders were registered, including depression, bipolar affective disorder, schizophrenia, dementia, intellectual disability, and developmental disorders. According to the National Coordinator of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Program, Massoxi Vigário, in Angola, in recent years, cases of violence, homicide, and suicide have grown alarmingly. Therefore, this situation deserves an adequate response in the field of mental health prevention and treatment, through the first national mental health strategy.

Proposed Solution

To help addressing that chalenge and problem ,Luanda Hub launched the Yellow Conversations Project (" Projecto Conversas Amarelas" in Portuguese) - which aims to prevent suicide and the Mental Health of each resident of Luanda as a vital factor for the present, the future, and the sustainability of our community. Conversas Amarelas aims to join the cause of preserving lives, preventing suicide, and promoting mental health, understanding that the future and sustainability of communities can only be achieved with people who are alive, mentally healthy, with a spirit of collectivity, solidarity, and mutual support, making it clear to young Angolans that "We are not alone".

Hub Activities

The project is developed in a set of initiatives mentioned below:

• Yellow Messages: Awareness campaign through 30-second vertical videos, consisting of a minimum of 48 messages from Shapers, other entities, and celebrities with a note regarding mental health.


• Yellow Hugs: hugs to strangers in high-traffic areas of the city, as part of the awareness campaign about suicide prevention.


• Yellow Wednesdays: Cycle of Lectures at schools and/or Live sessions on social media to raise awareness on mental health issues and challenges, their impact on people's lives, particularly among young people, as well as Call to Action to embrace the cause of the fight against suicide.


• Free Consultations: Conversations with more than 40 volunteer psychologists (already registered in our database) focusing on suicide prevention. * Yellow Walk: A mass event consisting of a mental health awareness walk.


• Closing Ceremony: Marking the end of the free consultations, presenting the campaign report, recognition, and honorable mentions to all partners and technical partners.

Short and Long-term Goals:

• +48 Yellow Messages quarterly;


• +200 Yello Hugs Bi-monthly;


• +30 Yellow Wednesday sessions annually;


• 50 free consultations provided bi-monthly;


• 1 Yellow Walk with more than 100 attendees;


• 1 Closing Ceremony annually.

Available Metrics

• 6 Yellow Messages delivered on social media in 2023;


• +180 Yellow Hugs given;


• 4 Yellow Wednesday live sessions organized in 2023;


• 4 Yellow Talks organized in 2022;


• 349 free consultation sessions were provided in 2022 for 187 patients by 37 psychologists, and 132, in 2023;


• 1 Yellow Walk held with more than 60 attendees;


• 1 Closing Ceremony with more than 30 attendees.

- Aurélio Capunga (Project leader); - Paulo Cassoma (Project vice-leader); - Olinda da Silva (Secretariat); - Emanuel dos Santos; - Diendonne Pascoal.

For more information:

• https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7103682942878531584


• https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7100784489349419008


• https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activi