In Nigeria, there is a significant concern about the high number of people suffering from mental illness. The Nigerian mental health practitioners in the US Group have expressed their determination to address this issue and reduce the number of affected individuals.
Statistics show that between 10% and 20% of Nigeria’s population, which is over 160 million people, experience some form of mental illness. This means that approximately 32 million Nigerians are dealing with mental health challenges.
Dr. Azubuike Aliche, the President of the Nigerian Mental Health Practitioners in the US, expressed his disappointment with the lack of infrastructure for mental health care in Nigeria during a press conference in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State.
Recognizing the seriousness of such a large number of individuals struggling with mental health issues, the US group has decided to intervene and offer their assistance to address the situation.
To improve the quality of mental health care, the association will soon launch the Nigerian-American Institute for Mental Health at Godfrey Okoye University in Enugu on April 13.
Dr. Aliche expressed regret that the Nigerian government allocates insufficient funds for mental health care, especially considering the high prevalence of mental health cases in the country. He shared that only about 10% of individuals with mental health challenges in Nigeria have access to the necessary care.
Considering the significant number of people in Nigeria facing mental health issues, Dr. Aliche emphasized the importance of prioritizing mental health care in the country.
The US group, consisting of various mental health care experts, plans to focus on raising awareness and providing training for local medical professionals in the treatment of individuals with mental illness.
Dr. Aliche recognized that economic stress can contribute to or worsen mental health challenges. He expressed concern about how religious and cultural beliefs can hinder the proper treatment of mental illness in Nigeria.
He stressed the need to support individuals with mental health challenges rather than blame them for their condition. Discrimination against these patients should be avoided, and it is disheartening to see them without proper assistance wandering the streets.
