Katherine Abayomi.
In Commemoration of the 2025 WONCA World Family Doctor Day (WFDD), medical professionals and stakeholders gathered in Port Harcourt to advocate for integrating mental health services into everyday clinical practice and stress the need for proactive and holistic healthcare strategies.
The event, which had the theme “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” was hosted by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON), Rivers State Chapter, in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Rivers State branch.
The celebration commenced with a series of wellness activities, including medical outreach, aerobics, and a “Walk for Mental Health” at Pleasure Park, designed to highlight physical fitness as a key foundation for mental well-being.
In a keynote lecture titled “Incorporating Mental Health into Primary Care,” renowned neuropsychiatrist Professor Chidozie Chukwujekwu underscored that mental health issues frequently go undetected at the primary healthcare level due to stigma, insufficient training, and lack of resources.
“Primary care is often the first and only point of contact for many patients. Equipping family doctors with the skills to identify and manage mental health conditions will bridge the enormous treatment gap.”
He noted that integrating mental health into primary care will enable early intervention, reduce stigma, and improve accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.
“This model fosters continuity of care, with patients more likely to seek help from trusted local doctors,” he added.
Also speaking at the event, a Psychiatrist and former Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Solomon Enyida, emphasised the need for healthcare institutions to implement mental health strategies for both patients and providers.
He advocated preventive care, early intervention, and holistic patient support, while urging hospitals to invest in wellness programs for their staff.
“Regular wellness checks, access to counselling, and mental health education can help providers build resilience before challenges escalate. Facilities that prioritize staff mental wellness record better treatment outcomes and higher patient satisfaction,”Dr. Enyida said.
The chairman of SOFPON Rivers State, Dr. Simon Uriah, also reiterated that mental and emotional well-being must be central to patient-centred care.
“There is no health without mental health. A holistic approach is essential for effective primary care.”
In her remarks, Dr. Obianma Onya, Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2025 WFDD, affirmed that prioritizing the mental wellbeing of medical professionals is vital for sustainable healthcare delivery.
“A mentally balanced healthcare provider is better equipped to care for patients. Family doctors who practice self-care can more effectively build mental resilience in their communities.”
She also stated the role of lifestyle interventions such as regular exercise, nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress management, and social connectedness in promoting long-term mental health.
The event concluded with a scientific session, entertainment, and an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding contributions to primary healthcare. It underscored the pivotal role of family physicians in tackling mental health challenges amid Nigeria’s evolving healthcare landscape.
Nigeria is battling rising rates of depression, anxiety, and burnout exacerbated by economic and social stressors. Health stakeholders continue to urge government investment in mental health, providing training and strengthening referral systems to transform care delivery and improve outcomes nationwide.
