Antony’s Story
We asked our members to share their journeys and experiences in mental health advocacy, exploring what inspired them to take action, the work they are currently doing, and the lessons they've learned along the way. Here is Antony Okungu’s compelling story that highlights their commitment to raising awareness, supporting their communities, and transforming mental health care for those in need.
When and how did you first become interested in mental health advocacy/activism?
Sometimes, life’s greatest challenges reveal our true purpose. Years ago, I watched friends, colleagues, and family members struggle with mental health conditions in various forms. The ordeal of finding proper care—over 200 km away, with few mental health professionals and high treatment costs—exposed me to a widespread issue that many face in silence. As an actuary, I have always worked with numbers, predicting risks and designing innovative insurance products for underserved populations across emerging markets. Witnessing the personal impact of inadequate mental health resources compelled me to apply my skills toward a vital mission: integrating mental health services into everyday healthcare and insurance coverage, sustainably and effectively. With this new purpose, we founded Thalia Psychotherapy with a clear goal—to make mental health care accessible and affordable. We’ve now integrated mental health checks into over 4,000 hospitals, positively impacting the lives of more than 2 million people across Africa. Each step forward underscores the work that still lies ahead.
What work are you currently doing as a mental health advocate/activist?
Through Thalia Psychotherapy, I am leading initiatives to include mental healthcare within insurance product offerings across Africa, making it more accessible and sustainable.
What is one thing you’ve learned on your journey?
One major lesson has been understanding the deep-rooted stigma associated with mental health within African communities.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about you and your story?
At Thalia Psychotherapy, we believe that using Social Behaviour Change (SBC), Human-Centred Design (HCD), and research techniques can be powerful tools for co-creating innovative solutions. These approaches can help address mental health services and support inclusive insurance (microinsurance) models across Africa.
Stories can change lives. Share your story with our network and inspire action.