Nigeria to Host Mental Health Conference in 2026

Nigeria is set to host a Mental Health and Gender-Based Violence Conference from October 8-10, 2026, organized by Echo Africa Initiative, a U.S.-based nonprofit, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The conference, themed "Invisible Wounds: Understanding Mental Health Trauma and Gender-Based Violence's Impact on Society," aims to address the growing psychological, social, and economic consequences of untreated mental illness and gender-based violence.

Ifi Ezinwa, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Echo Africa Initiative, emphasized the need to move mental health beyond awareness campaigns to practical solutions that strengthen Nigeria's health system. The conference seeks to unite various sectors of society to identify sustainable solutions and improve access to quality mental healthcare while reducing stigma.

Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Sosunmolu Shoyinka described mental health as a defining public health challenge of the 21st century, affecting education, workforce productivity, and family stability.