Connect with us

Health

20 Percent Nigerians Suffer From Mental Disorder- Report

Published

on

20 Percent Nigerians Suffer From Mental Disorder- Report 2DITORIAL

The report that no fewer than 40 million Nigerians suffer from one mental illness or another is, to say the least, alarmingly worrisome. When this figure is broken down, it means that an estimated 20 percent of the country’s population is believed to suffer from mental disorders. According to the report, one in five Nigerian youths have mental health issues and one in four adults (25 percent) will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives. This is a very significant number considering Nigeria’s estimated population of over 180 million.

The sheer size of the affected population calls for the  declaration of  emergency on mental illness and every effort should be geared towards tackling this disturbing scourge.

This frightening statistics was made public recently at a mental health action committee and stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja. The permanent secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi, attributed the country’s high burden of mental disorders in the country to inadequate attention paid to mental illness, misconceptions and lack of awareness on the part of the Nigerian public.

According to him, more people will be disabled by psychological challenges than the combined effects of complications arising from HIV/AIDS, heart disease, accidents and wars by the year 2020.

This depressing statistics was also corroborated by the director of Public Health in the ministry, Dr Evelyn Ngige, who attributed the prevalence of deteriorating mental health among Nigerians to the current economic hardships in the country.

According to her, the recent suicidal episodes in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria should force a rethink in our general attitudes to mental health and question our current management of such issues.

There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness, but the more common disorders are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, and schizophrenia and anxiety disorders. Symptoms such as changes in mood, personality, personal habits and/or social withdrawal.

In fact, a mental disorder may also be related to excessive stress due to a particular situation or series of events. Mental illnesses are often physical as well as emotional and psychological, and may be caused by a reaction to environmental stresses, genetic factors, biochemical imbalances, and so on.

Regrettably, not much attention is given to mental health disorders in the country and even when such attention ever occurs, it is grosslyinadequate. The level of awareness of the public on mental health issues is also reasonably poor, with lots of misconceptions.

It is therefore against this backdrop that we, as a nation, cannot hold claim to be making progress in the healthcare sector while millions of our people are suffering from mental disorders. And when people with severe mental disorders – moderate to severe depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders – are added to this figure, the picture would be worse.

It is worthy to note that having such a large chunk of the population suffering from mental ill-health is not good for the country’s economic development. Many persons in this category will not have the necessary coordination to contribute meaningfully to any form of economic activity. They often waste away if they do not have relatives with the wherewithal to treat and cater for them.

We urge the federal government to, as a matter of urgency, fast-track the enactment of the Mental Health Act as well as the resuscitation of the National Mental Health Action Committee for the coordination of stakeholders’ activities on mental health and psychosocial supports in the country.

This, we believe, will help in addressing the country’s huge mental  health burden.

The federal and state governments must also work assiduously towards improving mental healthcare by tackling discrimination through individual and community initiatives as well as strengthen national programmes, policies and legislative measures.

Aside this, we must intensify support from partners, civil society and donors, as well as strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers towards addressing this growing problem in the communities.

Above all, more trained and motivated personnel are urgently needed in the area of mental health and psychiatry, as the present professional medic to patient  ratio is grossly inadequate.

To get a majority of the population out of the mental scourge, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) should be made functional and effective, and affected persons should have easy access to drugs. In general, the fight against mental illness should receive more official attention than is currently the case. That way, the present unsavoury situation would be reversed.

Above all, governments at all levels should work assiduously to make the country liveable so that excessive and prolonged frustrations do not force our countrymen and women to resort to actions and habits  that lead them into developing mental disorders.

 

 

ADVERTISEMENT

YOU MAY LIKE

 

Health

Rainy Season: LAWMA Completes Rehabilitation of Olusosun Dumpsite

Published

on

…calls for responsible waste disposal

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

As the rains approach, the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has completed the rehabilitation of Olusosun dumpsite, to ensure smooth waste disposal operations across the state.

Managing Director/CEO of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who made this known in a statement on Thursday, said the maintenance effort was aimed at improving operational efficiency in anticipation of the rainy season.

He said, “Our primary objective in rehabilitating Olusosun dumpsite is to ensure that waste disposal trucks can navigate through the dumpsite seamlessly, even in adverse weather conditions, especially during heavy rainfall when logistical challenges tend to arise”.

Dr. Gbadegesin stated that, in addition to the recently completed maintenance efforts, LAWMA was focused on enhancing operational efficiency to improve turnaround times for waste disposal trucks, adding that the rehabilitation would significantly reduce queue times, translating to faster and more effective waste collection services.

“Our commitment to environmental sustainability extends beyond operational enhancements. We urge residents to join us in prioritising responsible waste disposal practices to safeguard our environment”, he stressed.

The LAWMA boss further highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal, urging residents to avoid dumping waste in drains, especially during the rainy season, known for disrupting the drainage system and posing serious environmental risks to lives and properties.

“We encourage residents to patronise accredited Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators for their waste disposal needs. By supporting licensed operators, individuals contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he reiterated.

The Managing Director emphasised the importance of residents familiarising themselves with their PSPs, who play a vital role in waste management at the local level, adding that, by understanding and engaging with their designated PSP operators, residents could ensure efficient and effective waste disposal services in their communities.

“We are committed to facilitating this process by publishing detailed PSP contacts for all areas in the state. This initiative aims to empower residents to take ownership of waste management practices in their neighborhoods, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment for all”, he assured.

For more information about LAWMA’s initiatives and how to support efforts to maintain a clean environment, please visit www.lawma.gov.ng or call our toll-free numbers: 080000LAWMA (08000052962), 07080601020 and 617.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Singer, Okiki Bright Speaks on “Ambition” Album, Industry Struggles in New Explosive Interview

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

on the 6th of November, 2023, Nigerian Fuji musician Okiki Bright released his much-anticipated album, “Ambition.” Distributed and marketed by Role Model Entertainment, this album marks a significant milestone in Okiki Bright’s career, and it’s already making waves in the music industry. Today, the artist took to the airwaves at Fresh FM in Ibadan for an exclusive interview hosted by Alhaji Saheed Babatunde, where he delved into the various aspects of the album and shared insights on the challenges within the music industry.

“Ambition” on All Streaming Platforms
Before diving into the interview details, it’s worth noting that “Ambition” is now available on all major streaming platforms. Listeners can enjoy the fusion of indigenous Fuji rhythms with contemporary melodies that Okiki Bright brings to life through this album. The music promises to be a captivating auditory experience, staying true to the didactic traditions of the genre while embracing innovation.

Insights from the Interview
During the interview at Fresh FM, Okiki Bright opened up about his journey, the inspiration behind “Ambition,” and the struggles he’s faced in the music industry. He discussed how his music is a bridge between tradition and modernity, much like his mentor, Chief Adewale Ayuba. The artist emphasized the importance of cultural narratives and morals in his compositions and how they are presented on danceable modern rhythms, creating not just music but a cultural experience for his audience.

The interview shed light on the enduring power of mentorship in the music industry and the coexistence of diverse musical styles, carrying on the torch lit by legends like Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister. Okiki Bright’s journey and his latest album exemplify the fusion of tradition and ambition within the rich tapestry of Nigerian music.

As “Ambition” continues to gain traction on streaming platforms, music enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the cultural and musical experience that Okiki Bright brings to life. The interview at Fresh FM not only provided insights into the album but also underscored the artist’s dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Fuji music while pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Stay tuned for more updates on Okiki Bright’s musical journey and the ongoing success of “Ambition,” as it leaves an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.

Continue Reading

Health

LAWMA Organises Medical Checks For Sweepers

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has organised a free medical screening, for over 1000 sanitation workers (street sweepers) August24news.com has learnt.

The event took place at the Authority’s headquarters, Ijora Olopa. Lagos.

Speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director of LAWMA, Mr. Kunle Adebiyi, noted that the exercise was a testament to the commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, to prioritise the wellness of LAWMA sweepers.

He said, “Your well-being is our priority. Whatever happens to your health, will affect us in one way or the other. Therefore, we don’t want
any ill-health to befall you.

Today, your blood pressure, sugar level, urine and eye and hepatitis will be checked for proper diagnosis.

The aim of this is to manage the health of our workers and detect early health issues.

Our sweepers are our heroes, we need to take good care of them. We have over 16,000 of them who keep Lagos clean everyday. Our aim is to ensure we capture all of them in this screening exercise and there will be follow ps.

Some will be administered for consultation, some will be for referral, some will be given medications. All of these is to ensure their health is properly managed.

We appreciate the Governor for his
consistent support”.

The Medical Director of LAWMA, Dr. (Mrs.) Modupe Okoh, noted that the medical screening exercise was a demonstration of the state’s commitment to the welfare of LAWMA’s workforce, adding that early detection of
diseases would go a long way in helping to manage the health of sweepers who work tirelessly.

One of the beneficiaries, Nafisat Rahman, appreciated the state government for the medical checks.  In her words: “We do spend a lot on hospital bills, but with this kind of initiative, it will reduce it and we will be more aware of our health status. I want them to continue with this kind of exercise”, she said.

Another beneficiary, Godwin Imeh, said the medical screening exercise was a nice initiative. He encouraged the Authority to continue to
prioritise the welfare of sweepers.

In attendance at the event were members of LAWMA’s management staff.

The medical outreach for LAWMA’s sanitation workers is a continuous exercise, with sweepers in other districts in the state set to benefit from the health screening.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from August24news.com
This Website is designed and Managed by: August 24 Communications Nigerian Limited (RC: 798585)