By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, alongside the World Health Organization(WHO), and other partners have reaffirmed their joint commitment to ensuring that mental health care services are accessible.
In commemoration of the 2025 World Mental Health Day, which took place in Abuja and had the theme; Access to services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, stated, that according to studies, people in conflict-affected areas in Nigeria, including internally displaced persons, face significant psychological distress, ranging from depression, anxiety, substance abuse, suicide and trauma-related conditions.
He stated, that diseases and Mental Health calls for stronger investment, equity and inclusion of mental health in all humanitarian and health systems.
“A call that Nigeria fully supports and is already acting on board. As a ministry, we are proud of the progress Nigeria has made in advancing mental health reforms and service delivery.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Department, Mrs. Tetshoma Dafetta, restated the urgent need to improve access to mental health services in the country especially emergency settings.
He said, “Too often, attention has been focused on physical health, while mental health is given little recognition. Yet, there is no health without mental health.
“The stark reality underscores the urgent need for governments, partners and communities to strengthen investment, close treatment gaps and ensure that mental health services are accessible, equitable and sustainable, especially for vulnerable populations.”
The Minister noted that mental health services, whether during natural disasters, armed conflicts, pandemics or economic crises, were critical, yet overlooked.
The Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by the Director of Hospital Services, Dr. Jimoh Olawale Salaudeen, stated that the event was not only a moment for reflection, but also a call to action to government institutions, civil societies, professional associations, private sectors and the media to continue building a nation where mental health is prioritized, stigma is eliminated and everyone can access care when needed, even in the most difficult times.
The Perm Sec noted that emergencies from conflict to pandemics leave deep emotional and psychological wounds that demands structured rational responses.
She emphasied the need for mental health services to be fully integrated into emergency preparedness and and national policy implementation, in line with the UN Political Declaration and Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental health, which calls for universal access and the elimination of stigma.
Also speaking, the Country Representative of the World Health Organization, Dr Pavel Ursu, represented by Dr Mary Dewan, Technical Officer, Noncommunicable Diseases commended the Health Minister, from the National Mental Health Program for the leadership and commitment on the prevention and managementof mental health conditions in Nigeria.
The Country’s Rep stated that, emergencies, whether it be from outbreaks,conflicts, or natural disasters, disrupt lives, fracture communities, and leave lasting psychological scars.
While nearly everyone affected experiences emotional distress, the rep, stated, that one in five will face a mental health condition requiring professional care.Yet, in the African Region, mental health, and psychosocial support (MHPSS) remains inadequately integrated into emergency preparedness and response.
According to the WHO’s Country’s Rep, in Nigeria, at the national level, the Organization has supported the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with partners to put in place policies and frameworks for prevention and management of mental health disorders. In the North-Eastern part of Nigeria which has experienced humanitarian crisis, WHO worked closely with the government of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, alongside other key stakeholders to build capacity of healthcare workers, integrate mental health services into primary health and secondary health facilities, supported outreachsessions, procurement of essential psychotropic medicines.
Also speaking at the event, Abdulazeez Musa, Country Director, CBM Global Nigeria in his goodwill message, said, “Through our collaboration on initiatives such as mhCAP-NTDs, we have witnessed the transformative impact of community-led, rights-based mental health programming.
“These integrated approaches have restored hope, dignity, and strengthened local capacity to respond effectively to mental health needsduring emergencies.
“We are also encouraged by our joint efforts within the National Task Force for the Decriminalization of Attempted Suicide, which reflect a shared Commitment to addressing the socio-economic drivers of mental health crises and promoting compassionate, evidence-based responses.
The event had in attendance representatives from various Health partners
