About 20 million Nigerians, or 20% of the population, are living with mental health conditions. This is according to a new report by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Experts raised concern at a mental health training in Owerri on Tuesday, May 27. The event was organised by the Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH).
Dr. Azubike Aliche, Secretary of NAIMH’s Board of Trustees, said the training is for non-psychiatrists. The goal is to help them detect mental health symptoms early and support those affected.
“This training gives people the skills to screen for signs of mental illness and help people manage them,” he said.
Nigeria’s Depression Rate Is Highest in the World
Aliche described the rising cases of depression in Nigeria as troubling. He said the country has the highest rate of depression globally.
He called for stronger and more targeted action to improve mental healthcare access. He also revealed that most people do not get help.
“Available reports indicate that only 10 per cent of people living with mental illness have access to care in Nigeria and this has to change,” he said.
Mental health advocates are urging a shift from hospital-based care to more community-based mental health services. They say this will help reach more people, especially in rural areas.
Government Urged to Strengthen Support for Mental Health
The Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, said mental health is no longer just a national issue. She called it a “global challenge.”
She asked the institute to work closely with government policies already in place to improve mental health services.
One of the training facilitators, Mr. Justice Ulunta from the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, made an appeal to the government.
“The government must allocate more resources to train mental health professionals and improve facilities,” he said.
Mental health experts say that more partnerships, education, and funding are needed. They believe Nigeria must treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.
Many Nigerians still hold negative views about mental illness. This leads to stigma and prevents many from seeking help. Advocacy groups are calling for national campaigns to raise awareness and reduce the shame attached to mental health issues.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment, share this article and Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
