Juliet Jacob 
ABUJA, Nigeria – As Nigeria marked World Mental Health Day 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) called for stronger integration of mental health and psychosocial support in crisis response.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, lauded the Federal Government’s leadership in improving mental health services.
“Emergencies disrupt lives and leave lasting psychological scars. One in five affected people needs professional care,” Ursu said.
This year’s theme, “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” highlights the urgency of embedding mental health in all emergency phases.
Ursu referenced the 2024 World Health Assembly resolution urging MHPSS integration and said WHO’s regional framework guides countries to strengthen resilience.
He noted WHO’s ongoing support to Nigeria’s Ministry of Health and states like Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe to train healthcare workers and rehabilitate facilities.
“Targeted investment in mental health builds resilience and restores hope,” Ursu said, calling for greater funding and partner collaboration.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Chukwu Obinna 
Koko Maxwella 
Otamere Gladness