Kaduna State Leads in Mental Health Integration, Says Uba Sani

Governor Uba Sani has revealed that Kaduna State is the only state in Nigeria that has included mental health in its primary and secondary health systems.

The governor shared this information at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital (FNPH) in Barnawa, Kaduna on Friday. This was during the 2026 World Mental Health Day, which had the theme "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change."

Represented by the Commissioner of Health, Mrs Umma K Ahmad, Uba Sani announced that Kaduna State’s first group of 100 doctors, nurses, and pharmacists from 10 General Hospitals has completed training under the World Health Organization’s mhGAP programme.

According to Governor Uba Sani, mental health screening is now included in the regular maternal and child health services in Kaduna State.

"We are extending services to all 30 General Hospitals and to primary health care facilities in all 23 Local Government Areas. We are also strengthening and expanding access at the tertiary level," he stated.

The Governor explained that integrating mental health into primary and secondary health systems creates a model of care that focuses on human rights and is based on evidence. He described this model as a global standard, built on cooperation between a Federal institution and a State Government.

Governor Uba Sani praised the Medical Director of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Professor Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u, for her dedication to the people of Kaduna State.

He noted that under her guidance, the hospital’s Dialysis Centre has become the only facility in the state that treats septic patients who often had no other options.

Uba Sani also mentioned that the hospital has recently launched a Telepsychiatry Programme. This allows patients to get care from wherever they are.

"For families in hard-to-reach rural areas of Kaduna State, this means fewer long trips, lower costs, and timely care. It also allows the hospital’s specialists to support health workers in our primary and secondary facilities, strengthening the system we are building together," he added.

In her speech, Prof Armiyau pointed out that while mental health conditions are not contagious in the medical sense, some related behaviors, emotions, or symptoms can spread socially.

"Let us remember that mental health is not just an individual responsibility. It is a shared responsibility. During this Mental Health Week, I encourage everyone to take practical steps."

"Check on your families, friends, and colleagues. Listen to someone who needs to talk. Take care of yourself. Seek professional help when necessary. Most importantly, treat others with kindness and understanding," she advised.

The Medical Director also commended Governor Uba Sani for his government's significant investment in the health sector and other key areas in Kaduna State.

"Under your leadership, Kaduna State has made important progress in strengthening the mental health system and promoting a more humane and rights-based approach to mental healthcare."

"The Kaduna State Mental Health Law, enacted in September 2025, is a crucial step towards protecting the rights and dignity of people living with mental health conditions. I commend you for this!" she added.

Prof Armiyau mentioned that FNPH has worked with the Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA) to train and certify health workers from PHCs across all 23 Local Government Areas under the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (MHGAP).

She also mentioned that the hospital has introduced a Smart Digital Patient Card. This card helps patients access important information, including biodata, medical history, treatment records, and appointments.

According to the Medical Director of FNPH, the Smart Digital Patient Card also facilitates electronic payments and helps the hospital move towards a more efficient, less paper-dependent system.