Healthcare Firms Move to Integrate Mental Health Into Maternal Care in Nigeria

Healthcare Firms Move to Integrate Mental Health Into Maternal Care in Nigeria

New partnership aims to bridge gap between physical treatment and psychological support in reproductive health services

Healthcare stakeholders in Nigeria are taking steps to integrate mental health support into maternal and reproductive healthcare services, amid rising concerns about the emotional and psychological challenges linked to pregnancy, childbirth, and related health conditions.

Fortics Life Group and The Sunshine Series Mind Wellness have announced a strategic partnership aimed at embedding psychotherapy and mental health services directly into routine clinical care.

The collaboration was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organisations, with the goal of addressing what they described as a long-standing gap between physical and mental healthcare delivery in the country.

Mental health to be included in maternal and reproductive care
Under the arrangement, mental health professionals will work alongside clinical teams to provide counselling and psychotherapy as part of maternal, sexual, and reproductive health services.

The initiative is designed to support patients dealing with a range of challenges, including pregnancy-related stress, fertility concerns, sexually transmitted infections, and substance dependency issues.

The organisations say the approach will help ensure that emotional wellbeing is treated as part of overall healthcare rather than as a separate or secondary concern.

New care packages introduced
As part of the partnership, integrated healthcare packages have been introduced to combine medical treatment with mental health support.

The antenatal package includes routine tests, scans, consultations, medication, counselling sessions, and access to a digital support community connected to healthcare professionals.
Other packages cover STI care and drug abuse support, combining medical intervention with psychotherapy and counselling services.

Stakeholders call for healthcare reform
Representatives of both organisations say the initiative is aimed at reducing stigma around mental health and encouraging more open discussions about emotional wellbeing in medical care.

According to Fortics Life Group, the integration of mental health services into clinical pathways will improve overall health outcomes for patients.

The Sunshine Series Mind Wellness also emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive and community-based mental health support, particularly for families navigating sensitive health conditions.
Both organisations noted that the partnership could contribute to broader conversations around healthcare reform and the need for stronger mental health integration within Nigeria’s health system.

About the Author

Adesokan Oluwasegun is a journalist and blogger with four years of experience, specializing in politics, business and economy, metro reporting and editorial writing that provides analysis and opinion on key issues .