COSAWA Champions Mental Health Awareness, Calls for Greater Support During Visit to UUTH

COSAWA Champions Mental Health Awareness, Calls for Greater Support During Visit to UUTH

The Commissioners’ and Special Advisers’ Wives Association ( COSAWA) , Akwa Ibom State , has reaffirmed the critical importance of mental health care and called for increased public awareness, compassion, and collective support for persons receiving treatment.

The association made the call on Saturday during a visit to the Mental Health Department of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital [UUTH].

Speaking during the visit, COSAWA President Dr. Bright Frank Archibong said the association was at the hospital to offer love, hope, and encouragement to patients, and to remind them that they are not alone in their recovery journey. She commended the patients for their resilience and applauded healthcare workers for their dedication, compassion, and the hope they provide to families.

Dr. Archibong, wife of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mkpisong Frank Archibong, emphasized that mental health deserves greater attention and sustained support. She noted that the visit aligns with COSAWA’s mandate to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and strengthen advocacy for mental health services in the state. The initiative, she added, also supports the thematic priorities of the ARISE Agenda and GIFA.

The COSAWA delegation was received by the Matron on Duty, Nurse Unwana Ikpe, and the Doctor on Duty, Dr. Mrs. Goodness Alphonsus.

Speaking on behalf of the medical team, Nurse Unwana Ikpe and Psychologist Mrs. Aniefiok Udofia commended COSAWA for the thoughtful visit and its efforts to advance mental health awareness and patient support. Mrs. Udofia also sensitized patients on practices that promote faster recovery and overall wellbeing.

A vote of thanks was delivered by the COSAWA Secretary, Mrs. Iniobong Bob. Miss Violet N. Chidi, speaking on behalf of the patients, expressed profound appreciation to COSAWA for the visit and the gifts presented. She applauded the association’s compassion, generosity, and commitment to the wellbeing of persons undergoing mental health treatment.