She lost family to insurgency. Now she’s saving lives through Nigeria’s crisis hotline
- Aisha Bubah's life changed in 2014 after a bomb attack in Kano, prompting her to pursue a career in counselling psychology.
- The Sunshine Series was formalized in January 2020 as a social enterprise to provide mental health care and training.
- Nigeria's first mental health radio drama was launched in 2022, reaching millions and increasing awareness of mental health issues.
Aisha Bubah's approach to mental health in Nigeria is commendable, as it not only addresses the immediate need for care but also seeks to change the cultural narrative around mental health. By integrating community leaders and utilizing accessible media, her initiatives could serve as a model for similar efforts in other regions facing stigma and resource scarcity. However, the ongoing criminalization of suicide attempts poses a significant barrier that must be addressed for real progress.
