CORRECTION: FEATURE: The grim state of Nigeria’s mental health care

According to the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria, there are 250 psychiatrists registered to it in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with more than 200 million people.

[NEDS/SUBS CORRECTION PAR 2 there are 250 registered psychiatrists.]

CAPE TOWN, April 15 (ANA) – The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that fewer than 10% of mentally ill Nigerians have access to a psychiatrist or health worker in the West African country.

More alarming still is that according to the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria there 250 psychiatrists registered to it in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with more than 200 million people.

Mental health professionals in the country say that quality mental health services are a luxury and only available to wealthy citizens, leaving a vast majority of the population who suffer from any form of mental illness untreated.

These are just some of the factors driving Nigeria’s mental health crisis, and if left unattended could be catastrophic for future generations.

For decades, mental health has been highly misunderstood and a taboo topic not just in Nigeria but on the continent as whole.

The connotation that mental health refers to being ‘mad’ is still very common, and needs to be dispelled to break the stigma associated with mental illness.

Types of mental disorders include anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, personality disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and psychotic disorders.

According to a report by Nigeria Health Watch, mental health has historically been neglected in Nigeria’s health and development policy agenda.

Nigeria Health Watch reveals that the Regional Lunacy Law of 1958, which is the only law remotely connected to mental health in Nigeria, perceives all mental health issues as madness; there is no mention of prevention, promotion and treatment.

In 2003, a bill for the establishment of a mental health act was introduced. It was withdrawn in 2009 and reintroduced in 2013 but was not passed.

Current laws in place pertaining to mental health in Nigeria are outdated and urgently need to be relooked by lawmakers if the country hopes to succeed in stamping out the stigma associated with mental health issues.

According to the Lancet, underpinned by poor societal attitudes towards mental illness and inadequate resources, facilities and mental health staff, figures suggest that approximately 80% of individuals with serious mental health needs in Nigeria cannot access care.

The global health journal says that the time is now for a mental health legislation and policy in Nigeria to protect individuals suffering from mental illness from being subjected to gross human rights violations, including degrading treatment and destitute living conditions.

Furthermore, roughly nine out of every 10 doctors in Nigeria are seeking to leave the country and find work elsewhere, according to a 2017 poll by the non-profit organisation Nigeria Health Watch.

According to a 2019 Al Jazeera report, dire budget and staffing shortfalls prompt doctors to go on strike, leave the country or quit the medical profession altogether.

– African News Agency (ANA); Editing by Yaron Blecher