World Mental Health Day
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Hosts the 2024 World Mental Health Day Event in Abuja on October 10, 2024.
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, through its Department of Public Health, hosted a high-impact event to mark 2024 World Mental Health Day at the African Continental Hotel in Abuja. The event, attended by prominent mental health advocates, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience, focused on advancing mental health awareness and support within Nigeria and introduced the latest version of the Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) to better address the country’s mental health needs.
The gathering began at 9:00 a.m. and included opening remarks by key figures, including Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, a global health advocate, former First Lady of Kwara State, and Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa. Saraki emphasized the importance of accessible mental health services across the nation and called for enhanced support for vulnerable populations. Also present was Prof. Taiwo Obindo, President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, who spoke about the evolving mental health landscape in the country and the need for sustained efforts to reduce stigma
Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health, outlined the significance of the newly launched Contextualized Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) 3.0. The program, specifically tailored to Nigeria’s mental health needs, aims to close gaps in mental health service delivery by equipping healthcare providers with updated resources to identify and manage mental health conditions more effectively. Honourable Dr. Alex Egbona, Chair of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare, spoke on government support for mental health initiatives, while Prof. Sheikh, convener of the Suicide Prevention Advocacy Group, and Dr. Tunde Ojo, Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, provided insights into the latest policy measures against suicide.
The event also featured panel discussions addressing mental health in workplaces, aligning with this year’s theme of “Mental Health in Workplaces.” Advocates like Hauwa Ojeifo, representing individuals with lived experience, shared powerful personal stories that underscored the critical need for accessible mental health support systems in all facets of life.
Following the morning event at the African Continental Hotel, attendees proceeded to the Nicon Luxury Hotel for the National Suicide Prevention Conference. Organized by the Nigerian Suicide Prevention Advocacy Working Group, the conference addressed the theme, “Decriminalizing Suicide Attempt: Long Overdue.” The conference brought together experts and advocates, including Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, to discuss the urgent need to decriminalize suicide attempts in Nigeria, aiming to reframe societal attitudes towards suicide and promote compassionate approaches in mental health legislation.
