The Nigerian Mental Health Practitioners based in the United States have expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of individuals with mental health challenges in Nigeria. They are determined to significantly reduce this number through their efforts. Statistics show that a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, roughly 10 to 20%, suffers from some type of disorder. This equates to approximately 32 million individuals in the country struggling with some type of disorder out of a total population exceeding 218 million.
Dr. Azubuike Aliche, President of the Nigerian Mental Health Practitioners in the US, voiced his concerns about the lack of mental health care infrastructure in Nigeria during a press conference held on April 3, 2024, in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State. Dr. Aliche emphasized the urgent need to address the significant risks posed by a high number of individuals with mental disabilities within a nation, leading to the decision by the US organization to step in and provide assistance in order to mitigate these challenges.
Improving healthcare services for individuals with these issues.
On April 13, the Nigerian-American Institute for Mental Health will be inaugurated at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu, according to his statement. This initiative is aimed at improving healthcare services for individuals struggling with these types of issues, demonstrating the association’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for such patients. Dr. Aliche expressed disappointment in the Nigerian Government for not allocating enough funds to address these issues. He emphasized the need for more financial support, considering the high number of cases in the country.
He mentioned that the vast majority of individuals with challenges in Nigeria do not have access to proper treatment, with only approximately 10% receiving the necessary care. His belief is that a nation dealing with a vast number of disorders must prioritize and carefully plan for the services provided to its citizens. The focus of the US group of experts in mental health care, led by Dr. Aliche, will primarily be on educating and training local healthcare professionals in the treatment of individuals with disorders, with an emphasis on raising awareness within the community.
Individuals facing these struggles deserve equal treatment.
Furthermore, Dr. Aliche expressed concern that the intersection of economic strain and mental health issues is often overlooked in Nigeria due to obstacles posed by religious and cultural beliefs, hindering effective treatment. According to him, jumping to the conclusion that an ill individual is solely responsible for their condition is incorrect, and instead, efforts should be made to help the patient receive necessary treatment. His belief is that individuals facing these struggles deserve equal treatment and should not face discrimination.
Also, he expressed concern about the sight of these individuals wandering the streets, emphasizing the importance of providing them with proper support and care. In Nigeria, the availability of mental health services falls short of meeting the needs of the population, despite efforts to address a variety of disorders through policies. The field of mental healthcare encompasses a wide range of services such as evaluation, identification, therapy, and guidance, all focused on promoting and enhancing wellness in individuals.
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Detailed information about mental health services in Nigeria is lacking. Identifying areas of need, coordinating advocacy group activities, and making informed policy decisions are all challenging tasks due to the lack of attention given to mental health issues. As a result, a large percentage of Nigerians, around 25-30%, struggle with mental illness, yet fewer than 10% have access to the professional help they need. Approximately three percent of the government’s health budget is allocated to mental health, according to the World Health Organization’s estimates.
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