Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) remain one of the most challenging public health burdens in Nigeria, particularly because of their physical, social, and psychological toll on affected persons. Beyond the medical symptoms, individuals with NTDs often face stigma, exclusion, and untreated mental health conditions. To address this gap, RedAid Nigeria (RAN), with support from CBM Global Disability Inclusion and funding from the Anesvad Foundation, implemented the Strengthening Access to People-Centred Mental Healthcare for Persons Affected by NTDs in Nigeria (mhCAP-NTD) project.
This pilot initiative sought to integrate mental health care into existing NTD programs, ensuring that interventions moved beyond treating physical conditions to supporting the mental wellbeing of individuals following global and national frameworks. By combining mental health screening, capacity building for frontline health workers, livelihood support, and community-anti stigma campaign, the project demonstrated that a holistic and people-centered approach is both feasible and transformative.
As the project reached its conclusion, dissemination meetings were held to share lessons learned, highlight achievements, and foster dialogue with key stakeholders. The first dissemination took place in Ogoja, Cross River State, where project teams, health workers, and community representatives reflected on project learnings, outcomes and challenges in integrating mental health into NTD interventions. The second meeting was held in Awka, Anambra State, bringing together state health programmes, community members, and partners to discuss sustainability strategies and opportunities for replication in other regions.
In both meetings, powerful testimonials from individuals with lived experience underscored the importance of addressing mental health needs alongside NTD treatment. These gatherings provided a space for reflection, learning, and commitment to continuing this important work beyond the pilot phase.
The project closed with a high-level dissemination and close-out event in Abuja. This brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including other implementing partners; RedAid Nigeria,The Leprosy Mission Nigeria (TLMN), Health and Development Support Programme (HANDS), International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA) Nigeria.
The Abuja meeting offered a platform to highlight key project outcomes, including improved access to mental health services, increased awareness among health workers, and evidence that integrating psychosocial support into NTD programs is both practical and urgently needed. Stakeholders committed to exploring ways to institutionalize this approach within national and state-level health systems.
The mhCAP-NTD project demonstrated that people-centred care must recognize the intersection between physical health, mental health, and community wellbeing. By piloting an integrated model, the project laid the groundwork for scaling up interventions that protect both the body and mind, reduce stigma, and empower communities.
As RedAid Nigeria and its partners continue to advocate for systemic change, the stories and lessons from Ogoja, Awka, and Abuja remind us that sustainable healthcare must be inclusive, holistic, and compassionate.
