Experts call for robust implementation of Mental Health Act

Mental health experts have called on Federal Government to ensure proper implementation of the Mental Health Act in Nigeria.

The call was made as today marks World Mental Health Day by the World Health Organisation with the theme: “Mental health is a universal human right”.

WHO explains every October 10 is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.

“The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide,” WHO added.

According to the body, laws on mental health, currently often fail to address discrimination and human rights violations including in mental health care setting.

Reports in January that former President, Muhammadu Buhari signed the harmonised Mental Health Bill into law.

The Bill, which was harmonised by the Senate and House of Representatives in 2021, will replace the Lunacy act of 1958.

A mental health expert, Ebere Okonkwo, advocates the need for government to properly ensure the implementation to grassroots.

The founder of Mycarebuddy – a mental health therapy startup based in Nigeria, serving individuals across different communities and strataa, also urged the government to formulate a good economic policies as a way to alleviate economic realities hitting Nigerians.

“I strongly believe that the Mental Health Act passed earlier on in the year should go beyond mere paper policy to being executed at the grassroots. This would be made possible if the government help create enabling environment for initiatives like Mycarebuddy and others to thrive in their mission to provide mental health care.

“The government should help formulate good fiscal and economic policies in the country. Policies that will help alleviate the poverty burden on Nigerians. This is because poverty and financial insecurity constitutes one of the major reasons why many Nigerians do not enjoy good mental health and general wellness.

“In the same vein, I’d like to advise that structures and systems should be appropriately set up to help cushion the immediate effects of some policies that are adopted in the country, as seen in the case of the removal of the fuel subsidy and how it affected a lot of Nigerians negatively irregardless of the possible good intentions behind its removal,” she said while speaking with our correspondent.

She further advocate trainings and developments should be systematically carried out by the government to properly equip individuals ams organisations primarily saddled with the responsibility of providing mental health care and support to community members.

Also, Eyitomi Alao, a public health expert with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development, noted “The signing of the Nigeria’s national mental health act was a significant milestone in the mental health landscape of the country. The government needs to ensure successful implementation of the act.

“More needs to be done by the government regarding raising awareness on mental health through campaigns and educational initiatives, aiming to reduce stigma and promote understanding.”

She added that part of the contributing factors on the high rates of mental health cases includes stigmatization as many people still hold stigmatising attitudes towards mental issues which hinders individuals from seeking help or treatment.

“Additionally, there is a shortage of mental health professionals and facilities in the country. The ratio of mental health professionals to the population is significantly low, making it challenging for individuals to access proper care,” she said.

They urged Nigerians to spend quality time with their loved one, exercise regularly to boost our mood and energy levels, seek professional help, and engage in therapy/counseling to learn valuable tools and techniques as part of ways mental health can be managed.