Dr. Rakhshi Memon and Prof. Nusrat Husain’s Visit to Nigeria

Strengthening Global Mental Health Partnerships and Policy Development

Dr. Rakhshi Memon (CEO, MGF) and Prof. Nusrat Husain (Consultant, MGF) recently visited Abuja, Nigeria, as part of MGF’s ongoing efforts to enhance global mental health initiatives. Their visit included high-level stakeholder consultations, community engagement sessions, and strategic discussions aimed at shaping mental health policies and strengthening international collaborations.

A key highlight of the visit was an interactive community engagement and involvement session with Lived Experience Experts (LEEs), chaired by Dr. Rakhshi Memon. This session, held as part of the University College London (UCL) Global Engagement Fund Project on January 19, 2025, brought together experts from Nigeria and also included virtual participation from Pakistan and India, fostering a cross-regional dialogue on mental health challenges and solutions.

During their stay, Dr. Memon and Prof. Husain met with MGF Research Fellows Mr. Christopher Francis and Shadrack Mwankon to discuss ongoing research and collaborative projects. They also held a productive meeting with the Clinical Director and Deputy Clinical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, where discussions focused on potential collaborations to improve mental health outcomes. The Clinical Director expressed keen interest in working with MGF to develop impactful strategies for mental health support and policy advancement in Nigeria.

This visit marked a significant step in MGF’s commitment to global mental health advocacy, reinforcing its role in fostering meaningful partnerships and driving policy-oriented discussions for sustainable change.