In order to train experts, sensitise people, and help in developing mental health care in the country, the Nigeria Mental Health Practitioners (NMHP)-USA Incorporated, has concluded plans to launch the Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health in Enugu.
Addressing the press in Umuahia on Wednesday, the President of the group, Dr Azubuike Aliche, said: “We decided to establish the institute in Nigeria to intervene on mental health issues.
“This reflects our observation that mental health is not given adequate attention like other related fields in Nigeria. We are establishing the institute to show examples, see what is going on, and see how to help.
“Most primary healthcare systems in Nigeria are medically based. We are here basically to draw attention to the fact that there is another alternative model of treating mental health and to try and see integration between physical health and mental health using an existing structure in Nigeria.
“The institute is going to intervene more at the level of creating awareness and training in order to make an impact,” using country health workers in Nigeria who will identify those with mental health issues and make referrals but not treat them.
Dr. Aliche further explained that there are less than 250 psychiatric systems in the country, adding, however, that the nation’s medical health system does not need to be based only on psychiatric hospitals but also on other means.
“Most primary healthcare systems in Nigeria are medically based,” he said, explaining also that Nigeria’s budgetary provision for mental health is less than 3%.
He explained that they are not trying to imitate the US model of mental health care but will use a localised model in the country, stating that about 10% of Nigerians are living with mental health issues.
According to him, already, the Umuada Igbo group has already declared interest in partnering with them, while governments are yet to show interest.
He added that already, a mental health conference has been scheduled to be held in Enugu soon with the theme “Towards Primary Mental Healthcare in Nigeria.”
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