By Simeon OSAJIE
As part of activities marking World Mental Health Day 2025 themed “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” the Department of Mental Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), paid a courtesy visit on the Hospital Management.
In his address, the Head of Department, Prof. Ehigiator Adayonfo highlighted the severe mental health impacts of crises such as disasters, pandemics, conflicts, and insecurity.
He commended the hospital leadership under Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu for supporting efforts to strengthen mental health and addiction services within and beyond UBTH.
Prof. Adayonfo emphasized the need to:
- Integrate mental health into emergency preparedness plans.
- Expand training on psychological first aid and trauma-informed care.
- Increase community awareness and accessibility of services.
- Build stronger partnerships to ensure support reaches those in need during crises.
In her response, Prof. Ize-Iyamu congratulated the department and reaffirmed her advocacy for integrating mental health care into services offered at Primary Health Centres across Edo State.
The visit concluded with a presentation of souvenirs and a group photograph to commemorate the occasion.