Group Decries Neglect Of Mental Health

A research group, BanStopPrevent Mental Health Project, has decried the neglect of mental health in healthcare delivery in the country.

The team lead of the group, Dr Christian Abuajah stated this at the presentation of a study conducted in Umuahia South local government area to the Abia State House of Assembly Committee on Health in Umuahia, the state capital.

He said the report is titled, “Understanding, Perceptions, Practices, and Opportunities for Reform in Apunmiri Mgbarakuma, and Nsukwe Communities of Umuahia South Local Government Area, Abia State, Nigeria.”

Abuajah further informed that:  “In Abia State, like many other parts of the country, people living with mental health conditions, often face stigma, neglect, and inadequate access to professional care

“We aimed to understand local perceptions of mental health, document traditional and community-based care practices, and identify opportunities for policy and system reforms that can strengthen community mental health responses.”

‎He explained that the research was sponsored by NAS Magna Carta in conjunction with Walk 347 Hertfordshire County, UK, and appreciated the Ministry of Health, and the leaders of the communities for their support and cooperation.

‎Speaking to LEADERSHIP later, he noted with concern the rising cases of mental health challenges among the youths, blaming over 75 percent of the cases on hard drug abuse and use of illicit substance.

‎He called for collaborative efforts of traditional, religious, and orthodox approaches to address the challenges especially through “preventive measures at the root of the drugs and substance”.

‎In his response, the chairman of the committee and chief whip of the House, Hon Emeka Obioma lauded the committee for what he described as a timely and thoroughly executed job.

‎He expressed gratitude to the committee for choosing his constituency for the study and assured that the Health Committee was ready to partner stakeholders in the health sector for the wellbeing of residents of the state.

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