WHO Advocates Community Mental Health Care in Nigeria

On October 10, the World Health Organisation (WHO) marked World Mental Health Day with the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” The WHO advocates for a shift from long-stay psychiatric institutions to community-based, person-centred mental healthcare, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the experiences of those living with mental health conditions. Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa, noted that nearly 150 million people in Africa suffer from mental, neurological, or substance-use conditions.

In Nigeria, tens of millions are estimated to live with various mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. The National Mental Health Act 2021 has made strides in reforming Nigeria's mental healthcare system, but implementation remains a challenge.

The Federal Executive Council has also approved an amendment to decriminalize attempted suicide. The article stresses that mental health is crucial to overall health, especially in the context of Nigeria's economic hardships and rising poverty levels.