Nigerian health agencies call for integrated mental health services

To mark World Mental Health Day, health organizations in Nigeria are calling for increased integration of psychological support into existing medical frameworks.

Dr. Hope Omeiza, Executive Director of Africa THE Vanguard Against Drug Abuse (VGADA), advocated for the inclusion of individuals with lived experiences of mental health challenges in policy development and service design. During an awareness walk in Abuja, Omeiza emphasized that listening to affected persons can help identify barriers to care and create more responsive support systems, particularly regarding the link between mental health and substance abuse.

Simultaneously, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has urged the integration of mental health services into the national HIV response. Executive Director Dr. Nkem Okeke warned that depression, anxiety, and social stigma can undermine treatment adherence for people living with HIV. ANSACA is calling for HIV care to expand beyond medication to include counseling and mental health screening to help combat the emotional distress and isolation often associated with the epidemic.