The Federal Government inaugurated two policy documents and a National Mental Health Technical Working Group to reduce the prevalence of suicide and mental health conditions in the country.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate inaugurated the documents during a ministerial round table on mental health in Abuja.
Pate said the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework (NSPSF 2023–2030) and the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework would reduce rates of suicide and address mental health challenges especially amongst young people.
”The purpose of this NSPSF is to establish a framework for reducing the rate of suicide.
“By instituting cost-effective programmes, health and socio-economic interventions that change behaviour and lifestyle and address the population at large as well as vulnerable groups.
“It involves a whole series of activities, ranging from the environmental control of risk factors and means for suicide to the early identification and effective treatment of people with mental health conditions.
“Establishment of suicide prevention helplines and integration of care at the community and primary health levels, as well as responsible reporting of suicide by the media,” he said.
The minister, therefore, stressed the need for Nigerians and all stakeholders to support the implementation of the document to reduce deaths from suicidal behaviour and improve the nation’s health.
The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Ibrahim stressed the need to ensure that all Nigerians had access to mental health services without financial hardship.
Ibrahim added that plans were underway to establish a professional department in the ministry that would handle issues bordering on youth’s wellbeing.
Also,the Director General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus said, “We know that stigma and discrimination around suicide and mental health are significant contributors to people not seeking the help they need.
“So, the NSPSF presents a significant step towards reducing side effects by training health and care workers in mental health and suicide prevention and by better integrating mental health services into care programs.”
Similarly,Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed decried the prevalence of suicide globally, adding that over 7,000 people commit suicide yearly, which is always devastating to families, friends and communities.
Mohammed attributed it to a gap in accessing mental health services, stigma, discrimination and a lack of support for people with mental health issues.
She said, “We must break the taboo on mental health conversations. Open dialogue is crucial to dispel stigma and foster understanding.
“By encouraging open discussions, we can create a supportive environment for those suffering in silence.
“At the individual level, as friends, partners, parents, colleagues and neighbours, we can all do our part by checking in and reaching out to someone who may be struggling.
“It is important to listen with an open mind and offer support and encouragement as the need arises for the healthcare worker. We must work together to prioritize mental health in our communities.”
While reiterating their commitment, Mohammed said the documents would contribute to a more inclusive, healthy and sustainable world.
On her part, the founder of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs. Toyin Saraki stressed the need to prioritize interventions in mental health to achieve the SDG Goal 3 target.
A psychiatrist and keynote speaker,Lateef Sheikh noted that Nigeria had less than 300 practicing psychiatrists to cater for the mental health needs of the huge population.
Sheikh therefore recommended the implementation of government instruments like policies, strategic plans and legislation to address mental health challenges in the country.
He stressed the need for an integrated and comprehensive care package, mental health financing, data mining and finance to address mental health in the country.
