By Dennis Agbo

ENUGU, NIGERIA – The Nigerian-American Mental Health Practitioners Inc. USA, in collaboration with Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, has donated mental health medications worth millions of Naira to select hospitals in Nigeria specializing in mental health treatment.

The beneficiary institutions include:

Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu

Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Anambra State

Chika De-Vine Psycho-Spiritual Center, Enugu

Building Mental Health Infrastructure in Nigeria

During the donation event, Dr. Kate Ezeofor, President General and Founder of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, revealed that the group is working with Nigerian-American Mental Health Practitioners Inc. USA to establish a Mental Health Plaza at Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu.

She further disclosed plans to construct the Umuada Igbo Nigeria International Women Development Center at the university. The center will offer Igbo language education (both physical and virtual) while also training women and youths in politics and leadership.

Dr. Ezeofor highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH), which was incorporated in May 2022 under the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The institute is dedicated to the development of mental healthcare in Nigeria through education, research, and training.

 “The NAIMH is committed to developing mental health manpower and education programs to bridge the gap between rising mental health needs and available resources,” Ezeofor stated.

She emphasized that the institute sponsors seminars, workshops, and public enlightenment campaigns aimed at expanding Nigeria’s mental health workforce and reducing stigma.

“We are focused on dismantling the stigma around mental health, improving access to trained mental health professionals, and creating programs to support Nigerians struggling with mental illnesses,” she added.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Kenchukwu Udo, a representative from the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, urged stakeholders to advocate against the stigmatization of people with mental health conditions.

“Mental illness is like any other medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes. The brain is an organ, and any disorder affecting it requires specialized psychiatric care,” Udo explained.

The donation is expected to enhance access to essential medications and improve mental health treatment in Nigeria.