The Borno State Government in collaboration with the World Bank-supported Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) has trained 200 healthcare professionals on mental health and psychosocial support services to the victims affected as a result of insurgency and conflicts.
Abubakar. Kullima, Professor and. Chief Medical Director, Borno State Hospitals Management Board, stated this during a training session in Maiduguri, the State Capital.
He stressed that the training marked a crucial step towards addressing the needs of those affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
Read also: Emergency healthcare in Nigeria- creating a workable system out of chaos
“This initiative serves as follow-up to a previous training session where 150 healthcare workers across 27 Primary Healthcare Centers were trained, bringing the total number of trained professionals to 200.
“The victims, primarily women and children who have been displaced and traumatized by the conflict, have endured the unimaginable loss of their husbands and children,” he said.
He reiterated the significance of putting this knowledge into practice to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need.
“This training aimed at equipping them with necessary skills and knowledge to provide specialized care to victims of the Boko Haram insurgency, particularly women and children who have been displaced and traumatized by the conflict, the training underscores a shared commitment to building a more resilient healthcare system that can better serve the mental health needs of those impacted by insurgency”, he added.
He emphasized the critical importance of the training in equipping healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective mental health and psychosocial support services to survivors of trauma.
On his part, Baba Zannah Abdulkarrim, Borno State Project Coordinator of Multi-sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP), said the project helped the State to recover from its shocks occasioned by the insurgency.
The training, which is aimed at enhancing mental health and psychosocial support services for victims of insurgency he said, is one critical aspect that the project cares for and seeks to address.
Also, Ibrahim Abdu Wakama, Managing Director of Federal Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Maiduguri, expressed satisfaction on the training.
He said, the training programme underscored the urgent need to enhance mental health services and support for those who have endured unimaginable suffering due to conflict.
Read also: Kwara govt commences renovation of primary healthcare centres
Earlier, Falmata Baba Shettima, Director Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, appreciated the organizers for training adding that by working in collaboration with partners like the World Bank-supported MCRP and the Borno State government, the center is better positioned to address the complex needs of survivors and promote healing and resilience.
Some of the participants, including, Fatima Kashim Zanna and Ibrahim Muhammad said they did not only acquire new knowledge and skills, but also applied them effectively in their daily practice to ensure that those in need receive the best possible care and support.
