Gede and NEPWHAN hosted representatives of leading civil society organisations for an initial discussion on the implications on their programmes of the implications of the 2013 National Policy for Mental Health Services Delivery on CSOs. This meeting marked the first time ever for CSOs to meet to discuss mental health initiatives in Nigeria.

Participants reflected on gaps in knowledge and services for mental health at the community level and also discussed the implications of the 2013 Policy, including ways in which CSOs could become better coordinated for advocacy, awareness raising and, where appropriate, service delivery. The group agreed to meet within the next few weeks to discuss the details.

With vital information on the history of the National Policy and mhGAP provided by the WHO representative, the group agreed to form a coordinating body that will formulate plans for advancing mental health promotion, prevention, and treatment.

Gede Foundation thanks Yar’Adua Centre for the use of the Board Room and the following sponsors for lending support to this activity: HE Frank Ventures, CJ Bookshop Ltd, Donns Media, Prefair Concepts, and Elo.C Enugo West Africa Ltd.