The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi in Abuja, in collaboration with Purple Hands Empowerment Initiative, has launched a mental health outreach program at the Kuchigoro Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp.
This initiative is part of the 2025 World Mental Health Day celebrations, themed "Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophe and Emergencies".
The two-day program included a health walk, trauma education, free screenings, counseling, and resilience training to address mental health challenges among displaced populations.
On the first day, FMC Jabi hosted a Mental Health Walk and interactive sessions on trauma, coping strategies, and early detection of mental health conditions. The second day involved a community outreach at Kuchigoro IDP Camp, featuring awareness campaigns, therapy sessions, and consultations.
Dr. Olugbenga Abiodun, Deputy Head of Clinical Services at FMC Jabi, who spoke at the event emphasized the hospital's commitment to community service and mental health inclusion, highlighting the importance of accessible mental health services for vulnerable populations.
"We are very passionate about engaging with our communities.Beyond awareness, sustainability is key. We will be partnering with local primary healthcare centres to train their staff on basic mental health care while deploying our residents periodically to support ongoing services", he said.
Also addressing participants, Dr. Brenda Max Nduaguibe, Founder of Purple Hands Empowerment Initiative, explained that her organisation's work with rural communities has shown that mental wellness is the foundation of empowerment.
"We realized that to truly empower women and youth, their mental health must be sound," she noted.
"Stigma and ignorance remain major barriers. Through sensitization like this, we help people understand that mental health is a normal part of overall wellbeing, not something to be ashamed of."
Former President of the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, Professor Taiwo Lateef Sheikh, who was also present, commended the outreach for focusing on one of society's most vulnerable groups.
"It's inspiring to see mental health being discussed openly in local communities," he said. "Access begins with awareness. People must first understand what mental health is before they can seek help. This initiative is a good start, but it must be sustained and inclusive."
The two-day event ended with resilience and coping strategy sessions for IDP camp residents, who expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to receive mental health support.
This year's World Mental Health Day highlights the pressing requirement for Nigeria to broaden access to mental health services, especially in communities impacted by conflict, trauma, and displacement.
You can also like and comment on our YouTube videos.
https://youtu.be/QIBfD1tT80w?si=R4Qf3so2LxYu3GC2