By Fatima Saka
Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire has said the constant increments in cases of suicide and other mental health illnesses, is as a result of of social vices, economic inequalities, conflicts, and violence incurred on a large numbers of people, which has been a catastrophe to health.
The Minister made this statement on Tuesday in Abuja, through Dr. Alex Okoh, Director of Public health, in commemoration of World Mental Health. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Health in Collaboration with Africa Health Budget Network.
With the theme: “Making Mental Health and Wellbeing a Global Priority”.
Dr. Ehanire lamented that this has become a problem or concern requiring acceleration actions to improve mental health service delivery in the country.
He further stated that Nigerians must give value and commitment to mental health as individuals, communities and governments in engagement and investment by all stakeholders across all sectors must strengthen mental healthcare to improve accessibility, affordable and quality services for mental health services delivery in Nigeria, in efforts to mitigate the burden of mental health and ensure, improved mental health service delivery.
Speaking on, the Minister stated that it is in the plans of the Federal Ministry of Health to fully align in improving the health care system and facilities, by launching the National for Emergency Medical Scheme and Ambulances System across the country.
“In collaboration with stakeholders, the Ministry has reviewed the National Mental Health and commenced the development of a strategic implementation plan the development of a national suicide prevention strategic framework.
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“We can do more together in the areas of increasing awareness and promoting mental health and wellbeing and implementing preventive mental health.
interventions.
“Nigeria is aligned with a vision to have a world, where mental health is value promoted and protected, where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy mental health and to exercise human rights,” he added.
However, the Federal Ministry of health through the National Mental Health Programme has done the following for intervention:
“Developed a mapping tool to identify mental health stakeholders in Nigeria, strengthening multi stakeholder collaboration.
Facilitated the finalization of WHO implementation toolkit for the integration of mental health care into care of people affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases in the primary health care setting.
Initiated collaboration with NPHCDA to integrate mental health care with other services at PHC level
Commenced advocacy for the inclusion of mental health care in the basic package for implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
Collaborate with stakeholders, review the national mental health policy.
Commenced the development of a strategic implementation plan, and
Development of national suicide prevention strategic framework”.
