FOUNDER of the Asido Foundation, a not-for-profit mental health advocacy organisation, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik has declared that mental health continues to be stigmatised and discriminated against in Nigeria, making many citizens continue to suffer in silence.
Dr Abdumalik, who spoke during the virtual fifth anniversary commemoration edition of the Interactive Monthly Community Engagement series (IMCE) with the theme “Asido at 5: Celebrating 5 Years of Mental Health Advocacy and Services,” said the pervasive nature of this challenge remains a significant obstacle.
Abdumalik, a consultant psychiatrist, declared that stigma can lead to prejudice, discrimination, and social isolation, making it difficult for individuals with mental health issues to get the appropriate care they need and enjoy the highest quality of life they deserve.
He said the societal impact of mental ill health is because of beliefs in supernatural disease causation, ignorance, shame, and stigma, increasing rates of suicidal behaviours, drug abuse and insecurity, few mental health professionals, and reduced access to treatment of mental health conditions.
According to him, ensuring that Nigerians with mental health challenges do not continue to suffer in silence, Nigeria’s mental health laws should be overhauled and implemented.
“Attempted suicide remains a crime, so the lunacy laws now turned to the Mental Health Act are now crying for implementation. Also, there should be desk officers for mental health across the states and the integration of mental health into other health programmes such as HIV, cancer, and reproductive health programme.
“So, the call is that everyone should be a mental health advocate and lend their voice to ending the stigma and shame associated with mental health in Nigeria.”
Dr Abdulmalik said the organisation, in its five years of mental health advocacy, including successfully championing the mental health bill, signed into law in 2023, offered over 600 individuals access to helpline services and immediate psychological first aid and numerous trainings and capacity-building programmes.
In addition, through its Project Hope initiative, it successfully picked up 18 homeless mentally-ill individuals off the streets for care, treatment, and rehabilitation, with 16 already integrated into the society.
He added that paucity of funds had been a challenge faced by Asido in executing programmes intensifying efforts at mental health advocacy, implementing innovative programmes and ultimately ensuring everyone enjoys optimal mental health.
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Asido Foundation, Mr Meka Olowola, said that the organisation was celebrating an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy and services across Africa.
“Five years ago, a shared vision brought us together. And that’s the vision to change the narratives around mental health, trying to break down the walls of stigma, to provide accessible and compassionate mental health care, and to support those in need, regardless of their age, gender, faith, or tribe.
“Today, as we collectively sit down to reflect on the journey so far, I am personally deeply moved by the extraordinary progress we have made. What started as a small team, however, with a big dream, has grown into a thriving community of advocates, professionals, and volunteers who are transforming the mental health landscape in Nigeria,” he added.
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