USA based NGO decries rising cases of mental health conditions in Nigeria

By Uchenna Okeh Abakaliki 

A non-governmental charity organization, NGO, under the aegis of ‘Tilova for Africa’ based in New Hampshire, USA, has expressed worry over the rising cases of mental health conditions in Nigeria. 

The co-founder of Tilova for Africa, Mr Martin Nwabueze made this known in a statement signed and issued to newsmen in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital.

He, therefore, urged the government to address the challenge through a combination of individual, community, and systemic interventions, including education and awareness, early intervention, community support.

Nwabueze, added that there should be

improved access to medicare, reduced stigma and discrimination, inclusive policies to deal with ignorance / illiteracy, inequality, safe and supportive environment, creation of employment or work force development and general alleviation of poverty, among others.

The co-founder of Tilova for Africa, Nwabueze further urged government to integrate mental health into broader public health strategies as well  as promote mental well-being as a fundamental aspect of overall health. 

He noted that although Nigeria had made efforts to address “the mental health crisis through legislation like the Mental Health Act of 2021, which aims to improve services and protect the rights of people with mental health conditions,” there’s still much to be done.

Nwabueze, a pharmacist, said: “It is crucial to improve the lives of Nigerians, particularly their mental well-being. A large portion of the Nigerian population is affected by various mental health conditions. In fact, it is estimated that about one in four Nigerians experience one mental health challenge or another. 

“Unfortunately, access to adequate care and treatment is a huge problem. There is shortage of mental health experts in the country. Hospitals are lacking in equipment and many of our health professionals have left Nigeria because of poor renumeration and poor work environment. 

The statement further reads: “There is also the issue of stigma. Because of ignorance, if people hear that someone is having a mental health issue, he or she will be regarded as being mad. 

“So because of the serious stigma associated with mental in Nigeria, some individuals will not seek help or disclose their condition. So, naturally their problem will be worsened. That is why someone will park his car and jump into the Lagoon.

“I think it is a reflection of the general situation of the country. There is so much poverty or as someone said, poverty has been weaponized in the country. People worry about virtually everything in the people. What people take for granted in other crimes are issues of concern here.

“In Nigeria, many families are worrying about ordinary food. To put food on the table is a big issue in many households. The country is blessed with arable land but food sovereignty is lacking because of insecurity. 

“Farmers are afraid of going to their farms because no one knows what will happen there. Many farmers have been killed or abducted in some parts of the country. Women and girls are raped in their farms. 

“There is the pathetic story of a man whose wife and daughter were raped by bandits in his presence in his farm. A couple, Mr Onya Oko and Mrs Ngozi Onya, were killed in their farm at Amata in Oziza Afikpo South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State not long ago” the organization stressed.

Nwabueze noted further that it is because of these issues that Tilova for Africa is empowering vulnerable communities even as it seeks collaborations.