BY FAIZA JIBRIN, OCTOBER 08, 2025 | 09:09 AM
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through its National Mental Health Programme, in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services, has organized a two-day workshop to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day.
The event, held on Tuesday at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Maiduguri, brought together government officials, health experts, international partners, and community leaders to discuss ways to improve access to mental health care, especially in emergency and post-conflict situations.
The theme of this year's commemoration is "Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies."
In his remarks, Dr. Ojo Tunde, national coordinator for mental health at the Federal Ministry of Health, representing the minister of health and social welfare, emphasized the need to engage with stakeholders in communities most affected by crises.
'We can't just sit in Abuja and discuss mental health in emergencies. We came here to have engagement with state actors and partners working on the ground,' he explained.
Dr. Tunde noted that humanitarian crises often exacerbate mental health challenges and reduce access to care.
He added that the workshop aims to strengthen coordination, identify gaps, and develop sustainable strategies for long-term mental health response.
'Our expected outcome is that we will strengthen coordination, knowing that these resources have been there, the partners have been there, but we need to harmonize position,' he said.
Representing the Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Gwani Mawali, director of public health, described the event as part of planned activities to strengthen healthcare delivery in the state.
'We are very happy to have federal officials here supporting us. The activities will include outreach services to assist people with mental health needs,' he said.
Other speakers at the event included Mr. Carlos from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), who highlighted the importance of mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian work.
'In conflict-affected areas, one in five people experience a mental health condition. Yet in many states, only 2% of the health budget goes to mental health,' he said, adding that about 60% of Borno's health facilities are damaged or lack adequate resources.
The District Head of Dussman in Jere Local Government Area, AbbaJyarr Turab, emphasized the importance of mental health to overall well-being.
'You cannot talk about health without mental health. When people are not in sound mental condition, they cannot be productive, and it affects the society,' he said, calling for stronger community awareness to dispel misconceptions surrounding mental illness.
Mrs. Mary Dewan, Technical Officer for Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health at the World Health Organization (WHO) Nigeria, reaffirmed WHO's commitment to supporting the state.
'We have supported training, procurement of psychotropic drugs, and strengthening of primary health facilities using the MHGAP program. Even with funding cuts, we continue to advocate for more domestic resources,' she said.
The commemoration was supported by key partners, including the ICRC, IOM, and WHO, and highlights the importance of ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing mental health care, particularly in areas affected by conflict and emergencies.