Plan International Nigeria has donated essential sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) commodities and mental health medications to the Sokoto State Government to improve access to healthcare for adolescents, young women and other vulnerable populations.
The donation, made under the Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in Nigeria (ASPIRE) project, formed part of activities to mark the 2026 World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10 at the Doctors’ House, Old Airport, Sokoto State.
The event was organised by the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kware, in partnership with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the ASPIRE project is being implemented by Plan International Nigeria in Sokoto and Bauchi states to tackle barriers limiting access to sexual and reproductive health services, mental healthcare, gender equality and psychosocial support for adolescent girls, young women and other vulnerable groups.
The donated items include family planning commodities, medications for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and psychotropic drugs used to manage mental health conditions.
Speaking at the event, the Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr Faruku Abubakar Wurno, represented by the governor’s Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare, Dr Bello Marnona, appreciated Plan International Nigeria for the intervention.
He assured the organisation that the donated supplies would be properly utilised to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
Marnona also advocated increased public awareness of mental health challenges and substance abuse, emphasising the importance of treating affected persons with dignity, compassion and understanding.
Discussions at the event had highlighted the importance of listening to people experiencing mental health challenges, giving them a voice and recognising them as members of society who deserve care and support.
He further expressed concern about the problem of substance abuse, particularly in Sokoto State, and emphasised the need for collective action to address its effects.
According to him, World Mental Health Day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the harmful consequences of substance abuse and encourage society to support those already affected.
Marnona stressed that people experiencing mental health challenges should not be discriminated against, urging members of the public to recognise their humanity and speak up for them.
The programme featured a panel discussion and presentations examining mental health issues and their significance to individual and societal well-being.
World Mental Health Day was established in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), an international organisation dedicated to promoting mental health, with members in more than 150 countries.
