By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has urged governments at all levels, to scale up investment in primary healthcare systems so as to address the mounting health challenges across communities.
This year’s theme, “Building Mental Resilience in a Changing World,” framed the discussion around the increasing importance of mental health.
Speaking at an event organized by the Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria, FCT/Keffi chapter, to commemorate the 2025 World Family Doctors Day, Mahmoud emphasized the urgent need to strengthen primary healthcare so as to make its services more accessible.
The minister highlighted the unique role family doctors play in delivering continuous, person-centered care capable of promoting mental wellness and resilience, especially in the face of climate change, economic uncertainty, and social instability.
She maintained that, “Family doctors are the backbone of our healthcare system, providing comprehensive care that nurtures mental wellness and builds resilience in individuals and communities,” she said.
The Minister, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, lauded family doctors for their enduring relationships with patients, describing these bonds as essential for the early management of mental health conditions and chronic diseases.
According to the statement, the minister stressed the need to boost the recruitment, training, and retention of family physicians, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Mahmoud also called for stronger policy recognition of family medicine, noting its importance in achieving sustainable health outcomes. She described family doctors as “unsung heroes” serving diligently in clinics, rural health posts, urban centers, and conflict zones to ensure equitable healthcare access.
In her welcome address, Chairperson of the Society of Family Physicians, FCT-Keffi chapter, Dr. Ngozi Mmamelu, acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing mental health challenges, including stigma, limited services, and a shortage of professionals.
She noted that family doctors can help bridge these gaps by offering initial mental health screenings, raising awareness, and providing essential psychological support.
“As we gather here today, let us reaffirm our commitment to the principles of family medicine,” Mmamelu said.
The World Family Doctors Day is marked May 19 every year, to align with the founding of the World Organization of National Colleges, Academies and Academic Associations of General Practitioners/Family Physicians, WONCA, which was founded in 1972.
