Benin, Nigeria – The Department of Mental Health at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) commemorated World Mental Health Day 2025 with a courtesy visit to the hospital’s management, aligning with the global theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”

Led by Prof. Ehigiator Adayonfo, Head of the Department, the visit underscored the profound mental health challenges triggered by crises such as disasters, pandemics, conflicts, and insecurity.

Prof. Adayonfo praised the hospital’s leadership, under Chief Medical Director Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Nibokun Ize-Iyamu, for their unwavering support in advancing mental health and addiction services within UBTH and the wider community.

In his address, Prof. Adayonfo outlined key priorities to address mental health in emergencies:

Integrating mental health into emergency preparedness plans.

Expanding training on psychological first aid and trauma-informed care.

Raising community awareness and improving access to mental health services.

Strengthening partnerships to ensure support reaches those affected by crises.

Responding, Prof. Ize-Iyamu commended the department’s efforts and reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for mental health integration into Primary Health Centres across Edo State.

She emphasized the need for accessible, comprehensive care to address the growing mental health burden in crisis situations.

The event highlighted UBTH’s dedication to prioritizing mental health resilience and accessibility, particularly in times of catastrophe, reinforcing its role as a leader in healthcare innovation in Nigeria.