21m Nigerians have mental health challenge
as Novo Health Africa intensifies mental awareness campaign
Over 21 million of the estimated 170 million Nigerian population are said to be living with one form of mental health challenge or the other.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), only 20 percent of the 21 million sufferers have access to any form of treatment whatsoever. The remaining 80 percent are in hiding mostly due to stigmatisation and ignorance.
In Lagos, the commercial heart of Nigeria, research statistics, according to experts, also show that more than 2.5 million of the estimated 20 million residents have one form of mental disorder or the other. The major factors identified as contributing to the mental challenges are workplace stress, family and societal pressures.
Piqued by the disturbing statistics and low awareness about mental health in Nigeria, Novo Health Africa, a national health maintenance organisation accredited by National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), is stepping up awareness campaign with an executive symposium, which would draw experts to speak on related issues.
Maymunah Kadiri, consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Lanre Olusola, and Uloma Umeano, human capital experts, are some of the speakers expected at the symposium slated for October 30 (tomorrow) at the Lagos Intercontinental Hotel.
The symposium is with the objective of equipping the 21st Century business executive on how to tackle workplace mental depreciation to impact organisation productivity and profitability.
“Our action plan is to change attitudes that lead to discrimination, increase level of awareness of the general public on early detection and intervention of mental health issues, ultimately improving resources and priority given to mental health.
“It is important to note that our mental wellbeing and that of our loved ones is just as important as physical wellbeing. This is a call to action to mothers, school authorities, business executives and policy makers to pay attention to mental health as an undeniable focus for development and national growth now, more than ever before,” said Novo Health Africa.
According to the organisation, as the world faces rising global issues such as economic recessions, climate change, political instability, terrorism and growing insecurity, which heighten anxiety and frustration even as common day stressors such as workplace, family and societal pressure threaten our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing – mental health.
“It is important to pay attention to our mental health now more than ever. The internet age has also exposed our children and youth to new forms of mental health burden such as internet addiction, cyber bullying and other social media ills. The need therefore arises for us to take action. Everyone must lend a voice to mental health awareness.
“For people already living with mental health issues, early intervention and appropriate treatment will enable them live a positive and productive life,” it said.