Wife of former Senate President and founder, Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA), Mrs. Toyin Ojora Saraki, has charged governments and stakeholders in health sector to prioritise mental health as an essential pillar of national development and healthcare in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 55th annual general and scientific meeting of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, supported by the WBFA, in Ilorin on Thursday, Mrs. Saraki said that the gathering, themed, “Prioritising Mental Health Needs of Nigerians in a Depressed Economy: An Urgent Call for Integrated, Comprehensive and Sustainable Interventions”, is timely.
The WBFA founder, who said that Nigerians collectively face challenges of ensuring mental health equity in an evolving socio-economic landscape, added that addressing Nigeria’s mental health challenges requires a multidimensional approach grounded in equity and innovation.
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“That is why we advocate for the integration of mental health services into general hospital and community psychiatry frameworks, ensuring care is accessible and culturally responsive.
“By upscaling mental health services through general hospital and community psychiatry, harnessing the power of digital interventions to bridge gaps, and exploring the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in psychiatric care, we have an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine mental health systems in Nigeria”, she said. Nigeria
Saraki also said that harnessing opportunities of digital health interventions, while addressing barriers such as infrastructure and digital literacy, is key to expanding reach and impact.
“Furthermore, the responsible integration of artificial intelligence offers transformative potential in diagnostics, treatment personalisation and resource allocation.
“These policy priorities align with our mission to build a resilient, inclusive mental health system that meets the needs of all Nigerians and creates sustainable frameworks of support”, she said.
She also said that her foundation had continued to support such efforts committed to advancing sustainable, equitable and innovative solutions that empower individuals, families and communities to thrive from physical to mental health.
“At the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, we have long championed the intersection of mental wellbeing and sustainable health systems, and through our investments in community-based health programming initiatives, digital interventions and frontline care, we remain committed to building a future where access to mental health services is no longer a privilege but a guaranteed right for all.
“Supporting this conference reflects our belief in the power of collaboration and shared knowledge, especially around health topics which are often stigmatised.
Also speaking, president, Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Professor Taiwo Obindo, said that the conference represents more than just an opportunity to share insights, adding that it is a platform where decisive action is taken in addressing the urgent mental health needs of our nation.
“Together, we can drive the momentum needed to prioritise mental health, destigmatise its challenges, and build resilience in the communities we serve.”
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