Prof. Pate Advocates for Accessible, Equitable, and Sustainable Mental Health Services in Nigeri
By Raphael Ekpang
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate, is advocating for an urgent need for governments, partners, and communities to strengthen investments, close treatment gaps, and ensure that mental health services are accessible, equitable, and sustainable, especially for vulnerable populations.
Prof. Pate who was represented by Mrs. Tetshoma Temietan Dafeta, Director of Human Resource Management made this known on Friday, October 10, 2025, as Nigeria joins the world in 2025 World Mental Health Day. This day is celebrated annually on October 10th, uniting nations to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and advocate for action on one of the most pressing yet often neglected aspects of health.
Prof. Pate’s advocacy highlights the pressing need for improved mental health care in the country. Speaking at the event, through his representative, Pate said that too often, attention is focused on physical health, while mental health is given little recognition, stressing that there is no health without mental health.
He said, “According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people globally are currently living with mental health conditions. The situation is even more dire in humanitarian emergencies, where one in five people (about 22%) are affected by conditions such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or severe mental illness.
“This year’s theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” reminds us of the urgent need to improve access to mental health services, especially in emergency settings. Pate noted that in Nigeria, studies show that people in conflict-affected areas, including Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), face significant psychological distress, ranging from depression and anxiety to substance use, suicide, and trauma-related conditions,” he said.
The Minister emphasized that mental health challenges cut across all demographics, leaving no one untouched. Yet, despite the growing burden, stigma and discrimination continue to silence those affected. Pate called for change, stating, “This must change, and it must change now.”
Pate further noted that when people are left with untreated mental health conditions, they may struggle to work, care for their families, or contribute to community life. This affects productivity, weakens households, and slows down national recovery. However, investing in mental health gives people the strength to recover, work, and rebuild, making the nation stronger, more resilient, and more prosperous.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented at the event by Dr. Jimoh Salaudeen also noted that the theme is timely and relevant, especially for Nigeria and the region. She emphasized that emergencies cause not only physical harm but also leave deep emotional and psychological wounds, making mental health a critical component of any humanitarian and health emergency response.
The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, represented by Dr. Mary Dewan, commended the Federal Ministry of Health for its leadership in strengthening Nigeria’s mental health system.
He revealed that WHO has been supporting the integration of mental health services into primary and secondary health care, particularly in conflict-affected states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe.
