In commemoration of World Mental Health Day, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate has stressed the importance of collaborative efforts involving the government, healthcare professionals, NGOs and communities to effectively address mental health issues in Nigeria.
World Mental Health Day, observed every October 10, aims to raise global awareness about mental health and mobilise support for mental health care initiatives.
Pate highlighted the growing prevalence of mental health problems, affecting individuals from diverse backgrounds and placing increasing strain on healthcare systems and support networks. He urged all stakeholders to unite in finding comprehensive solutions to this growing concern.
The minister emphasised the crucial role of state governments in setting policies, allocating resources, and ensuring adequate funding for mental health initiatives. He also stressed the importance of creating a supportive environment and reducing the stigma associated with mental health to encourage individuals to seek help without fear of discrimination.
Pate acknowledged the essential role of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors and social workers, in providing mental health support. He emphasised that collaboration with the government could enhance the quality of care through improved access to services, better training programmes and increased awareness among healthcare providers.
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) were also recognised for their vital role in addressing mental health challenges at the grassroots level. Pate highlighted the potential for NGOs to leverage their expertise and resources more effectively through collaboration with the government and healthcare professionals.
Community involvement was deemed essential in addressing mental health issues, with an emphasis on the role of communities in providing a support network for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Community-based initiatives, such as support groups, educational workshops, and awareness campaigns, were seen as important tools in reducing stigma and encouraging early intervention.
Pate concluded that through collective efforts and collaboration among all stakeholders, including the government, healthcare professionals, NGOs and communities, a supportive environment could be created, access to services improved and awareness about mental health raised. It is through such collaborative initiatives that significant progress can be made in addressing mental health challenges in Nigeria.
WHO’s deputy country representative, Alexander Chimbaru also emphasised the universal human right to good mental health and the need to challenge stigma, discrimination and violations surrounding mental health. He stressed the right of everyone to access quality mental health care and reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting the government and partners in promoting and protecting mental health in Nigeria.
The founder of Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative (MHEI), Mr. Zion Ameh advocated for the proper implementation of the Mental Health Act at the grassroots level. He called for government support for initiatives that would create an environment conducive to the thriving of mental health care services throughout the country.
