Jamaica's Mental Health Stigma Campaign Earns Top Honour at IESE Public Sector Awards in London

London, United Kingdom — Jamaica has captured global attention for its work on mental health, with the Ministry of Health & Wellness taking home the International Public Body of the Year title at the IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards 2026.

The accolade, presented on the evening of Wednesday, March 4, 2025, at a ceremony hosted in London by the Institute for Excellence in Public Service (IESE), honoured the Ministry's national programme, 'Do Your Share: Reducing Mental Health Stigma Through Collective Action.'

Launched as a rallying cry to the Jamaican public, the 'Do Your Share' campaign urges citizens to back mental wellness through empathy, greater awareness and a sense of community duty. It pushes for frank conversations about mental health, confronts stigma head-on, and reminds individuals that each person has a part to play in building a more supportive nation.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton CD, MP, said the win confirms the country's drive to deepen mental health awareness and engagement.

"This award represents international recognition of Jamaica's commitment to addressing mental health stigma and promoting a culture of compassion, understanding and shared responsibility," he said.

"Mental wellness is a national priority, and initiatives such as 'Do Your Share' demonstrate the impact of collective action in advancing healthier communities."

Spearheaded by the Ministry's Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, the campaign sits within a wider plan to broaden public awareness, prompt more Jamaicans to seek help, and weave mental health into daily life across homes, workplaces, schools and institutions.

Director of the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, said the achievement underscores the value of working together to dismantle stigma.

"Addressing mental health stigma requires sustained public engagement and collaboration across sectors. 'Do Your Share' has encouraged Jamaicans to recognise that mental health is a shared responsibility, and that small actions can make a meaningful difference in supporting those who may be struggling," he stated.

The IESE Public Sector Transformation Awards spotlight excellence and innovation among governments and public bodies around the world, celebrating programmes that deliver measurable results, bold leadership and stronger public service delivery.

The London honour cements Jamaica's standing as a leader in forward-looking public health work and signals the Ministry of Health & Wellness' continued focus on protecting the mental wellbeing of citizens.