WHO and EU Collaborate to Train 240 Clinicians on Basic Mental Healthcare in Nigeria’s North-East

Towards improving mental healthcare in Nigeria’s North-Eastern states, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the European Union (EU) have joined forces to train 240 clinicians, including medical doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health extension workers.

The training, which took place in the states of Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe, aimed to equip healthcare workers with the necessary skills to provide basic mental healthcare and psycho-social support to their communities.

The training, which was declared open by WHO’s Interim Emergency Manager for Northeast Health Emergencies Response, Dr. Kumshida Balami, focused on various aspects of mental health, including stress disorder, seizure disorder, alcohol use, and drug abuse.

Additionally, the training addressed techniques for handling stigma in the community.

Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Management Board, emphasized that the training would strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers, particularly at the primary healthcare level.

The training was particularly relevant in light of the ongoing challenges posed by cerebrospinal meningitis in the region.

Participants from Yobe state expressed their enthusiasm about the training, noting that it would enhance their ability to address mental health disorders in their communities.

The training was also held concurrently in Adamawa and Borno states, with a total of 240 participants from all three states.

The collaboration between WHO and the EU demonstrates a strong commitment to improving mental healthcare in Nigeria’s North-East region.

By focusing on capacity building and psycho-social support, this initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the overall health and well-being of the local population.