Stakeholders Meeting on the Implementation of Basic Mental Health Services in Primary Health Centres in Rivers State

The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) convened a stakeholders' meeting on September 4, 2024, to update participants on integrating mental health services into the state's primary healthcare system. Key attendees included the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Health, the RSPHCMB Executive Secretary Prof. Kinikanwo Green, the River State Contributory Health Protection Programme Executive Secretary, ministry directors, medical officers, and NGO partners. Dr. Dede Siyeofori, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, outlined progress since the program's May 2024 launch. Completed activities included formative research for behavioral change communication, mental health guideline development, data tool creation, monitoring frameworks, and clinical supervision planning. A significant achievement noted was that Rivers State is the first state using the mhGAP (Mental Health Gap Action Programme) version 3.0 to integrate mental health care services into its primary healthcare framework. Prof. Green emphasized the critical importance of mental health services and urged participants toward commitment to quality service delivery and care of our patients and clients.