Senator Ibrahim Yahaya Oloriegbe, Chairman of the Nationwide Well being Insurance coverage Authority (NHIA), has urged the Federal Authorities to prioritize psychological well being within the nation’s healthcare agenda with a devoted N4 billion Psychological Well being Fund within the 2026 price range.
Oloriegbe made the decision whereas delivering a keynote deal with on the Psychological Well being Management and Advocacy Workshop in Ibadan on Thursday, which introduced collectively contributors from 19 African international locations underneath the auspices of the Africa Centre for Illness Management (Africa CDC).
He pressured that Nigeria nonetheless channels practically 80% of its well being assets to bodily well being, whereas psychological well being stays uncared for regardless of its simple hyperlink to general well-being.
“There isn’t a well being with out psychological well being,” he stated, warning that many bodily sicknesses are triggered by underlying psychological situations, and untreated psychological challenges can equally manifest bodily.
Psychological Well being Act 2023 but to be carried out
The previous lawmaker, who spearheaded the Psychological Well being Act 2023 throughout his time within the ninth Senate, expressed concern that the legislation is but to be totally carried out.
He referred to as for the creation of a Psychological Well being Division throughout the Federal Ministry of Well being to present life to the Act and make providers extra accessible, significantly to susceptible teams.
“To offer life to the Act, I referred to as for the pressing institution of a Psychological Well being Division on the Federal Ministry of Well being.
“I additionally advocated for the creation and correct funding of a Psychological Well being Fund, with a minimal of N4 billion to be allotted within the 2026 price range.
“These steps will be sure that providers are accessible, significantly to susceptible teams, whereas additionally tackling the rising circumstances of substance abuse and suicide amongst younger folks,” he stated.
Psychological well being linked to nationwide stability and progress
Oloriegbe emphasised that psychological well being is not only a medical challenge; it immediately influences productiveness, financial progress, and even nationwide safety.
When residents are mentally unwell, their potential to contribute positively to society is impaired, and the ripple results are felt throughout each sector.
Addressing psychological well being, due to this fact, means addressing the very foundations of nationwide stability and progress,” he stated.
He counseled the Africa CDC, College Faculty Hospital (UCH) Ibadan, and different companions for investing in coaching and advocacy to strengthen management in psychological well being throughout the continent, aligning together with his imaginative and prescient of widespread consciousness and repair supply.
“The time to behave is now,” Oloriegbe declared, pledging continued collaboration with stakeholders at house and throughout Africa to make sure psychological well being receives the coverage consideration and funding it deserves.
What it’s best to know
Round 1 in 4 Nigerians, roughly 50 million folks, dwell with a psychological well being situation.
But lower than 10% of these affected obtain any type of therapy. There are fewer than 300 psychiatrists obtainable for over 220 million Nigerians.
WHO information signifies solely about 0.09 psychiatrists and 0.07 psychologists per 100,000 folks, far under beneficial ratios.
Psychological sickness is commonly wrongly related to non secular causes or witchcraft, main many to hunt assist from non secular or conventional healers.
Such stigma continues to discourage folks from accessing skilled psychological healthcare.
Nigeria handed the Psychological Well being Act in January 2023, changing the outdated Lunacy Act of 1958 and establishing protections and constructions for psychological well being providers.
Nonetheless, essential steps akin to making a devoted Psychological Well being Division throughout the Federal Ministry of Well being haven’t but been realized.
Lower than 3% of the entire well being price range is allotted to psychological well being providers. Total, the Federal Authorities dedicates lower than 15% of its price range to healthcare, far under the AU-recommended benchmark of 15% and there’s no particular carve-out for psychological well being.