- Safiu Kehinde
A Nigerian-based Non-governmental organization, Gender Mobile Initiative, has earned recognition by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of five grassroots innovations successfully integrating mental health services into primary health care systems globally.
The initiative announced this in a statement issued on Thursday.
As contained in the statement made available to NPO Reports today, the group, committed to advancing access to health care and addressing gender-based disparities, held that the recognition highlighted its innovative approach to mental health care by embedding it into primary health care centres.
This, according to the statement, was in an effort contributing to the global agenda of strengthening community-based mental health systems and reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions.
“This recognition highlights Gender Mobile Initiative’s innovative approach to mental health care, which focuses on bridging the gap between underserved populations and accessible mental health services.
“By embedding mental health interventions within primary health care, the organization is contributing to the global agenda of strengthening community-based mental health systems and reducing stigma associated with mental health conditions.” The statement read.
As part of its intervention, Gender Mobile Initiative’s efforts include equipping primary health care workers with the skills to provide basic mental health support, raising awareness about mental health challenges at the community level, and ensuring that marginalized groups can access affordable care.
These strategies align with WHO’s call to action for scalable, community-driven mental health solutions that can be replicated in similar contexts worldwide.
Meanwhile, WHO’s recognition of the initiative’s contribution to mental health care availed them the opportunity to participate in knowledge-sharing forums and global conferences organized by WHO to showcase its work and collaborate with other selected organizations.
This milestone, according to the initiative, underscores the importance of grassroots organizations in addressing pressing health issues and contributing to sustainable development.