A name has gone to the Federal and State Governments by medical knowledgeable to declare a state of emergency on substance abuse in Nigeria, with a warning that the rising development posed a critical menace to the nation’s mental health and future.
A mental health knowledgeable, Dr Abayomi Olajide, whereas talking with newsmen on the 2026 Mental Health Day celebration, stated the worsening financial hardship, unemployment, insecurity, poverty and different social challenges had additional elevated the burden of mental health problems throughout the nation.
Olajide, a guide psychiatrist, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, stated the nation’s mental health scenario had reached an epidemic stage, significantly in opposition to the backdrop of the present financial downturn.
He famous that one in 4 Nigerians lived with mental health problem as estimated beforehand, submitting that the scenario had worsened due to social vices.
ALSO READ: NAF aircraft crash: Aiyedatiwa orders sustained search for victims
He stated: “We used to talk about one in four persons living with mental health challenges. But with all these economic challenges, kidnapping, poverty, lack of employment and all these social vices, I think the incidence has increased, and more people are now living with mental health challenges.”
Olajide, who can be the chairman, Mental Health Action Committee, Ogun State, lamented the restricted entry to mental healthcare providers within the nation, saying lower than 10 p.c of folks dwelling with mental health situations had entry to care.
He famous that the majority of the accessible providers have been paid for out-of-pocket, whereas health insurance coverage protection for mental health remained insufficient.
He, subsequently, known as for larger authorities consideration to mental health providers, stressing the necessity for improved entry to care, ample funding and remedy services.
WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV
