Mental healthcare crucial in peace building-U. S. Institute

By Diana Omueza

The United States Institute of Peace (USIP), on Tuesday in Abuja emphasised the vital role of mental healthcare in fostering resilient and peaceful societies.

Dr Chris Kwaja, USIP’s Country Director, made this assertion at the National Dialogue on Integrating Mental Health and Psycho-social Support into Peace building, organised by the African Centre of USIP in partnership with the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Kaduna (FNPH).

Kwaja said addressing psychological and social needs was essential for building sustainable peace, particularly in communities affected by insurgency.

He stressed that mental health was not solely an individual concern but a community issue impacting overall stability and peace.

“Effective mental healthcare and psycho-social support are necessary for promoting social cohesion, non-violent conflict resolution, and peace building.”

Dr Aishatu Armiya’u, Medical Director of FNPH, highlighted Nigeria’s prolonged struggles with violence, conflicts, and humanitarian crises.

She urged the government to prioritise citizens’ emotional and psychological wellbeing to ensure resilience, social cohesion, and sustainable peace.

Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, pledged support for integrating mental health into peace building, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s renewed hope agenda.

Mr Alex Egbona, Chairman of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare, House of Representatives, advocated for declaring a state of emergency on mental health, citing its epidemic proportions in Nigeria.

Egbona, represented by Mr Tordue Nyitse, Clerk of the committee, urged stakeholders to address mental health issues and close policy gaps in the Mental Health Act.