The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with an NGO, Plan International, funded by Global Affairs Canada, on Saturday rolled out a toll-free helpline for mental health and Psycho-social support targeted at adolescents in the state.
The State Commissioner of Health, Asabe Balarabe emphasised that the initiative was part of the “Aspire Project” by the NGO to address the prevalent health challenges, particularly exacerbated by the current economic hardships.
Balarabe, represented by the Director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Abdulganiyu Yusuf reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing measures in all health facilities across the state.
“These include training and retraining of personnel to ensure mental health services are available in all Primary Health Care Centers in Sokoto State,” she said.
Expressing gratitude to Plan International for its support, the commissioner assured sustained government backing for all the project’s activities, underscoring its dedication to societal well-being.
The Health, Mental Health, and Psycho-social Support Officer of the organisation, Mr Camillus Ogba said the event was aimed at promoting proper mental health among adolescents.
He stressed the importance of providing support to individuals facing mental health and psycho-social challenges by connecting them with professionals.
Ogba stated that the toll-free helpline would provide the citizens with a vital resource for the challenges in Sokoto state.
He said that the project’s duration was five years, covering all the 23 local government areas of the state.
Ohba encouraged the citizens to utilize the helpline to combat it and psycho-social challenges, striving for a healthier society.
The Senior Health Coordinator at Plan International, Dr Raphael Aworinde explained that the Aspire Project addresses various adolescent issues.
“The initiative is in order to address the menace of sexual violence, unsafe abortion, child marriage, pregnancy complications, childbirth, HIV, and female genital mutilation among other violations,” he said.
The toll-free helpline for mental health and psycho-social support is 08002200101.
NAN
