Focus on Expanding Access to Mental Health Services in Emergencies
By: Babagana Bukar Wakil, Maiduguri
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Borno State Ministry of Health and Human Services and development partners, has launched activities to commemorate the 2025 World Mental Health Day in Maiduguri.
The event, held at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, focused on the theme: “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health, Dr. José Ferguson, the National Coordinator of the National Mental Health Programme, said the observance provides an opportunity to reflect on the challenges of ensuring mental health access in crisis settings. He noted that years of insurgency, displacement, and natural disasters in the Northeast have disrupted essential mental health services, leaving many vulnerable to trauma, depression, and anxiety.
Dr. Ferguson emphasized the need for sustainable responses, stronger coordination, and long-term investment in mental health care, particularly as international partners scale down operations. He said the Federal Ministry is engaging directly with states like Borno to assess progress, identify gaps, and strengthen systems through collaboration with local stakeholders and frontline actors.
Borno State Reaffirms Commitment to Mental Health
Representing the Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Malam Gana, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Gweni Imam Ali, reaffirmed the state’s strong political will to address mental health issues.
She explained that after over a decade of insurgency and social trauma, the state remains focused on rebuilding lives through continuous psychosocial care and public enlightenment.
Dr. Ali added that activities marking this year’s World Mental Health Day include outreach programmes to support people living with mental health conditions, as well as strengthening service delivery at the primary healthcare level.
Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital Expands Community Outreach
In his remarks, Acting Chief Medical Director of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Dr. Baba Musami, highlighted the hospital’s commitment to extending mental health services beyond its premises.
He said the hospital provides psychosocial support and counselling to internally displaced persons, host communities, and neighboring states through partnerships with NGOs and local organizations.
The hospital also trains non-specialist health workers and community leaders to identify and refer mental health cases — a process known as “task shifting.”
Dr. Musami added that the hospital collaborates with the University of Maiduguri to train professionals in mental health and conflict transformation, aiming to build a resilient system capable of responding to future crises.
WHO, Partners Call for Sustained Investment
Representing the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, Dr. Hussaini Moisule Ganga commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Borno State Government for their leadership in promoting mental health.
He emphasized that mental health support must be integrated into all phases of emergency response, noting that one in five people affected by crises require professional mental health care.
WHO Technical Officer, Mary Dewan, said the organization continues to support capacity building, psychotropic drug supply, and integration of mental health services into primary healthcare facilities using the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (MHGAP). She, however, noted that funding cuts have affected programmes, calling for increased domestic investment and stronger policy implementation at state and national levels.
Traditional Leaders Join Awareness Campaign
The District Head of Dusman in Jere Local Government Area, Alh. Abba Kyari Trap, underscored the importance of community participation in promoting mental health awareness.
He urged residents to discard misconceptions that link mental illness to evil spirits, and instead seek professional help. Mr. Trap pledged continued support in sensitizing communities and encouraging early treatment and acceptance of persons with mental health conditions.
The Way Forward
Stakeholders at the two-day event resolved to strengthen coordination among partners, bridge service gaps, and prioritize mental health within emergency response systems.
They emphasized that investing in mental health is key to rebuilding resilience and restoring dignity to affected communities across Borno and the wider Northeast region
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