The Urgent Need to Address Neonatal Mortality in NigeriaKehinde Precious Fadelea Igwe Stephen Chukwuemekab Deborah Shomuyiwac Don Eliseo Lucero-Prisno IIId,e,fAffiliationsa. Department of Medicine and Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, Enugu. 0000-0002-0464-4167b. Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria. 0000-0001-6443-261Xc. Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lagos, Nigeria 0000-0001-6665-9439d. Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.0000-0002-2179-6365e. Office for Research, Innovation and Extension Services, Southern Leyte State University, Sogod, Southern Leyte, Philippinesf. Research and Innovation Office, Biliran Province State University, Naval, Biliran Province, Philippines

Africa faces a growing mental health crisis, characterized by limited resources, pervasive stigma, and restricted access to mental health services. Cultural beliefs often hinder individuals from seeking help, exacerbating the situation. Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) programmes present a culturally sensitive approach to addressing these issues, highlighting the urgent need for action. Integrating MHFA into existing mental health frameworks across African communities has shown promise in enhancing public understanding and the ability to provide timely support to those experiencing mental health challenges. This integration improves access to mental health services, reduces stigma, fosters inclusivity in healthcare, and encourages greater tolerance and compassion for individuals facing mental health issues. To achieve these outcomes, advocacy efforts must focus on widespread MHFA training within communities, government partnerships to fund primary healthcare systems incorporating MHFA, and media campaigns aimed at de-stigmatizing mental health conditions. By embedding MHFA into mental health strategies, Africa can address its mental health crisis more effectively, creating a more inclusive, community-driven, and sustainable framework for improved mental health outcomes.

Nigeria's organ donation and transplantation systems remain underdeveloped, yet they hold great potential to address the nation's escalating healthcare challenges. This commentary provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of organ donation and transplantation in Nigeria, highlighting historical milestones, legal frameworks, and the pressing issues that hinder progress, including organ trafficking, cultural barriers, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, it reviews the disparities in access to transplantation services and the critical role of socioeconomic factors in this divide. The commentary offers a forward-looking approach, presenting key recommendations for policy reform, infrastructure development, and public education. Implementing these strategies would be pivotal in ensuring equitable access to organ donation services while setting a precedent for medical innovation in West Africa. Ultimately, this paper underscores the need for government action, international collaboration, and community engagement to create a robust and ethical organ donation framework in Nigeria.