The Mental Health Research and Policy Hub (MHRPH) is a youth-led, youth-run organization with women at the forefront, dedicated to advancing the cause of mental health. Our mission is clear: to improve mental health care systems, advocate for robust mental health policies, and provide vital support to communities, particularly those in crisis-prone areas.

MHRPH was born out of the recognition that mental health is often overlooked in conversations about public health, despite its profound impact on individuals and communities. We focus on addressing this gap by developing and advocating for policies that promote mental health care, providing direct support to victims in crisis areas, and conducting research that highlights the mental health needs of marginalized groups.

Our team is united in our commitment to advancing mental health initiatives through research, education, and direct intervention. Whether it’s through projects like the Resilient Plateau Project, where we focus on the mental health resilience of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Plateau State, or through initiatives like the Rahila Damul Education Fund, which supports the education of young women in psychology, we are committed to making lasting change.

At MHRPH, we believe in the power of youth leadership and the importance of women in driving this critical work forward. We are passionate about improving mental health care systems and ensuring that mental health becomes a priority for governments, organizations, and communities worldwide. Through our work, we aim to create a more inclusive, supportive, and resilient future for all.

Mental Health on a Global Scale

In recent years, there has been increasing acknowledgment of the important role mental health plays in achieving global development goals, as illustrated by the inclusion of mental health in the Sustainable Development Goals. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability. Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds. People with severe mental health conditions die prematurely – as much as two decades early – due to preventable physical conditions.

Despite progress in some countries, people with mental health conditions often experience severe human rights violations, discrimination, and stigma.

Many mental health conditions can be effectively treated at relatively low cost, yet the gap between people needing care and those with access to care remains substantial. Effective treatment coverage remains extremely low.

Increased investment is required on all fronts: for mental health awareness to increase understanding and reduce stigma; for efforts to increase access to quality mental health care and effective treatments; and for research to identify new treatments and improve existing treatments for all mental disorders. - WHO