The Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) has launched a national awareness campaign to tackle the rising menace of drug and substance abuse, linking it closely with mental health advocacy. The initiative was unveiled at the 7th BOF-PSN Public Lecture, held on July 2, 2025, in Lagos, under the theme “Mental Health as a Basic Human Right: Crucial to Personal, Community, and Socio-Economic Development.”
The event brought together prominent stakeholders including NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), and Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, both of whom pledged support for the campaign. They emphasized the critical role of pharmacists in drug control and mental health promotion.
Also present were top pharmaceutical leaders, public health experts, and representatives from NAFDAC, PSN, and key professional bodies, all united in the call for a holistic approach to addressing drug abuse and improving access to mental healthcare.
The campaign aims to reach communities nationwide, raise awareness on the dangers of substance misuse, and advocate for stronger mental health services, aligning with broader health reform efforts in Nigeria.