CSO Seeks Integration Of Mental Health, HIV Interventions

A non-governmental organisation, YouthRISE Nigeria has called on stakeholders working in the HIV and other related spaces to ensure integration of mental health into HIV service.

Recall that the federal government through the Health Ministry had provided the legal and policy framework, however, it was time for all stakeholders to collaborate in furthering the sensitisation and implementation efforts to ensure those in need of service are served.

Speaking during a two-day workshop in Abuja yesterday with the theme: “Strengthening the Capacity of Young Key and Vulnerable Populations (KVPs) and Community Based organization”, the technical lead who spoke on behalf of the executive director, Mr. Okiwu Henry, expressed the growing spate of mental health conditions.

He stressed the need to inculcate rights-based and public health service delivery at all tiers of health facilities as well as community-based response in line with provisions of the Act.

He said services for mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, dementia, trauma, and suicide among others which are not necessary psychiatry cases should be treated in such facilities.

Henry said these measures are necessary for the inclusion of KVPs, equity, and for the achievement of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all.

Some of the key highlights of the meeting were the sensitisation of the participants on the Mental Health Act, development of actionable steps for integration of mental health and HIV intervention, discussion on the global fund process, the new funding cycle, and the policy issues within the national response.

He also called on the government to increase and strengthen human resources, and decentralise delivery of mental health services beyond the tertiary hospital which a grossly inadequate.

Also, he urged all stakeholders to help combat stigma and scale up the sensitisation efforts and services by integrating mental health into HIV and other related interventions especially through the community-based approach for greater accessibility.

The event is supported by the Global fund through Community Rights and Gender Funding Model Strategic Initiative (CRG-SI) through the youth networks in Nigeria.