BENIN CITY – The Department of Mental Health, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), has called for improved access to mental health services during emergencies and disasters, as part of activities marking the 2025 World Mental Health Day.
This year’s celebration, themed “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” featured a courtesy visit by the department to the hospital management.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of Department, Prof. Ehigiator Adayonfo, highlighted the profound mental health challenges caused by crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts, and insecurity.
He commended the hospital’s leadership under the Chief Medical Director, Prof. (Mrs.) Idia Ize-Iyamu, for her continued support in strengthening mental health and addiction services within and outside the institution.
Prof. Adayonfo stressed the need to integrate mental health into emergency preparedness plans, expand training on psychological first aid and trauma-informed care, raise community awareness, and strengthen partnerships to ensure timely support for people affected by crises.
Responding, Prof. Ize-Iyamu congratulated the department on the initiative and reaffirmed her commitment to integrating mental health services into the primary healthcare system across Edo State.
