The Federal Ministry of Health’s National Mental Health Programme Coordinator, Dr. Tunde Ojo, revealed on Monday that the treatment gap in mental health cases in Nigeria is approximately 90%.
Dr. Ojo made this declaration during a press briefing held in Abuja to commemorate the 2023 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Creating Hope Through Action.” This annual event, observed on September 10, aims to raise awareness about the preventability of suicide.
Dr. Ojo highlighted some positive developments in Nigeria’s mental health sector, noting that the number of federal neuropsychiatry hospitals has increased from eight to ten over the past two years. Despite these improvements, he stressed the critical need to address the treatment gap.
He explained, “The mental health treatment gap in Nigeria is like 90 percent. It means that for every 10 people who need mental health services, only one of them is able to get it.” He attributed this gap to the scarcity of services and healthcare professionals in rural areas, while most mental health services are concentrated in urban centers.
Dr. Ojo outlined the government’s approach to narrowing this gap, emphasizing the integration of mental health into existing programs at the primary healthcare level. He emphasized that this approach would make mental health services more accessible and less stigmatized, particularly for those in rural areas.
He also mentioned the forthcoming National Mental Health Act, which is expected to facilitate access to mental health services for Nigerians. The act includes provisions for a suicide prevention strategy, reflecting the importance of addressing this critical issue.
However, Dr. Ojo clarified that the act would not address the decriminalization of suicide, as it is currently considered a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
Ameh Abba, the Founder and President of the Mandate Health Empowerment Initiative, emphasized the role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in raising awareness and advocating for suicide prevention in Nigeria. He stressed the importance of integrating mental health services at the grassroots level to provide greater support to those in need.
In conclusion, efforts are being made in Nigeria to address the significant treatment gap in mental health services and to promote suicide prevention, with a focus on integrating mental health into primary healthcare and creating greater awareness and support through CSOs.
