Niger observes World Mental Health Day in Zinder

Niger joined the international community on October 10, 2026, to observe World Mental Health Day. In the Zinder region, the Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Colonel-Major Garba Hakimi, delivered a message centered on the theme ‘Giving voice to lived experiences: shared experiences for real change.’

Minister Hakimi emphasized that mental health is a fundamental component of overall well-being. He noted that listening to the experiences of those facing mental health challenges, their families, and professionals is essential to understanding barriers such as stigma and discrimination. He advocated for using these lived experiences to inform national health policies and programs, ensuring that affected individuals have a meaningful role in the decisions that impact them.