In 2019, Gede partnered with The Leprosy Mission, Nigeria (TLMN) and The Leprosy Mission England and Wales (TLMNEW) to implement a 3-year OPEN MINDS Project in Nigeria.

The Project was an integrated approach to empowering and building the resilience of children and young people to overcome mental health problems caused by two severely stigmatizing skin neglected tropical diseases—Leprosy and Lymphatic Filariasis. This approach strengthened community-based care and support for people affected by these skin NTDs and mental health problems in the Federal Capital Territory, Kebbi and Sokoto states.

The Project mainly benefited children and young people, and parents and caregivers, affected by comorbid mental health problems and leprosy and lymphatic filariasis.

The team examined the progress made in the project and its achievement as it relates to the planned goals and objectives. It was certain that primary beneficiaries were reached with planned interventions and systems have been strengthened for sustainability.

Secondary beneficiaries were the Health Policy Planners, Healthcare Workers, Teachers, Religious Leaders and Community Peer Educators.

In collaboration with the state government structures, the Project will continue to address the negative effects of stigma and discrimination associated with stigmatised diseases and increase access to services delivery at the community level. The project is funded by Comic Relief, UK.