Niger govt prioritises mental care integration into primary health centres

Niger State Government has identified the integration of mental healthcare into primary health centres as a priority, amid concerns that existing health facility records do not fully capture the scale of psychological distress across the state.

The state government also identified insecurity, displacement, family difficulties and substance-related problems as factors contributing to mental health challenges in communities.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Murtala Muhammad Bagana, disclosed this through the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Abdullahi Imam, during a briefing to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day.

Bagana observed that integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare services would bring basic assessments, counselling and referral services closer to residents, particularly those with limited access to specialist facilities.

He said, “Integrating mental healthcare into primary healthcare services will bring basic assessment, counselling and referral services closer to our people, especially those who have limited access to specialist facilities.”

The commissioner acknowledged that the state needed more reliable data to determine the extent of mental health challenges, noting that existing facility records and programme targets did not provide a complete picture.

According to him, “We need more reliable data to understand the scale of mental health challenges in Niger State. Existing facility records and programme targets do not give us the complete picture.”

He said mental health services had been documented at the State Social Rehabilitation Centre and the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, while the government was working to strengthen routine reporting and community-level assessments.

Bagana identified insecurity, displacement, family difficulties and substance-related problems as factors contributing to psychological distress, warning that the effects could extend to families, schools, workplaces and communities.

He also stressed that expanding access to care would require adequate funding, trained personnel, essential medicines where clinically indicated and functional referral systems.

“We must invest in trained mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses, social workers and counsellors, if we are to improve access to appropriate care,” he said.

The commissioner urged residents to reject stigmatisation and discrimination against people experiencing mental health conditions, calling for greater compassion and support for those seeking professional help.

He said the 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlighted the need to ensure that the experiences of people living with mental health conditions informed policies and programmes affecting their well-being.

Bagana called for stronger collaboration among schools, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations, development partners and families to improve awareness and access to mental healthcare.

He explained that the state’s commitment was aligned with the National Mental Health Act, the National Mental Health Policy 2023 and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework 2023–2030.

The commissioner then urged stakeholders to support sustained public education and collective action to ensure that people living with mental health conditions received timely, dignified and appropriate care.