Kaduna has mainstreamed mental health into primary, secondary care – Gov Sani

Kaduna State has become the first sub-national entity in Nigeria to incorporate mental health services into both primary and secondary healthcare systems, according to Governor Uba Sani. The announcement was made during the 2026 World Mental Health Day at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) in Barnawa, Kaduna, where Sani highlighted the integration of mental health into primary healthcare services for maternal and child health.

This integration extends to all 30 General Hospitals and primary health care facilities across the 23 Local Government Areas in the state, with plans to further expand access at the tertiary level.

Sani emphasized that the model of care is human rights-focused, evidence-based, and decentralized, reflecting a partnership between the Federal institution and the State Government. The Governor praised the leadership of FNPH's Medical Director, Professor Aishatu Yusha'u Armiyau, for her dedication, particularly in expanding the hospital's Dialysis Centre as the sole facility in the state to address septic patients who often lacked alternative care options.

Additionally, the FNPH launched a Telepsychiatry Programme, enabling patients in remote rural areas to access care with reduced travel and costs, while also supporting health workers in primary and secondary facilities.

Prof Armiyau underscored that while mental health conditions are not communicable diseases, certain mental-health-related behaviors, emotions, or symptoms can spread socially. She urged everyone to contribute to mental health awareness by checking on loved ones, listening without judgment, taking care of oneself, seeking professional help when needed, and treating others with kindness and understanding.

The Medical Director commended Governor Sani for the state's investment in health and other critical sectors, noting that Kaduna has made significant strides in strengthening the mental health system and promoting rights-based approaches to care. The enactment of the Kaduna State Mental Health Law in September 2025 further solidifies the commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of individuals with mental health conditions.