The most important resource for any organisation or nation is its human resources – the people. It should therefore be a no-brainer that any organisation or nation that desires to be successful and productive will invest in its human resources. That organisation will ensure that staff are equipped and provided the best tools to enhance the chances of success. The most basic of these investments will be to ensure that the staff or citizens are healthy and fit for purpose.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as ‘a state of complete physical, MENTAL, and social wellbeing’. Thus, health can be conceptualised as a stool sitting on three legs: physical leg, mental leg and social leg. Are we paying attention to any of these three legs of health in Nigeria?
Current realities
We are failing woefully across the spectrum of public health for our citizens: from promotion to prevention to early identification and treatment and lastly, rehabilitation. This is especially true for mental and social wellbeing and only slightly better (but still a failure) in the area of physical health.
One out of every four Nigerians is at risk of experiencing a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime. That is, at least 50 million Nigerians are at risk. If we consider that every family has at least four members, that also implies that every family is at risk of at least one family member experiencing a mental health issue at some point in their lifetime. These numbers deserve attention.
Drug abuse is rife and available at all motor parks and street junctions, and openly so! Yet we are surprised at ghastly road accidents and reckless motorcycle riders. Insecurity is rife; kidnappings and armed robbery attacks, unemployment rates are high, our infrastructure is poor, the minds of the youth appear fixated on instant wealth with no labour – leading to ‘yahoo yahoo’ (internet fraud) and other crimes. Yet our politicians do not realise the clear and present danger and the urgent need to inspire hope and chart a clear pathway for progress. Are they so out of touch with reality?
The harsh socio-economic realities and increasing rates of depression and suicidal behaviours are a cause for concern. The WHO globally estimates that one suicide death occurs every 40 seconds around the world. And every two seconds, a human being somewhere will attempt to take their lives. We are increasingly seeing high rates of suicide and suicide attempts in Nigeria too. We also know that in the majority of the cases, depression is the underlying trigger.
Criminal neglect of mental health in Nigeria
Ignorance, shame and stigma remain huge barriers preventing the utilisation of mental health services. With the rising cases of mental illness, drug abuse and suicides, in an ocean of hopelessness, poverty and social difficulties, it is a shame that mental health remains neglected by governments at federal and state levels. The revised Mental Health Policy of 2023 still does not have an accompanying mental health plan to guide implementation. The tangible anxiety is about the non-implementation of previous mental health policies (1991 and 2013 editions).
There is a mental health programme at the Federal Level, which is still a far cry from the Department of Mental Health that the Mental Health Act of 2021 recommends. However, only a mere handful of states have Desk Officers for mental health. Without the administrative and organisational structure to push for mental health, it is uncertain that much progress can be made, despite the strong commitments of the current staff of the Mental Health Programme at the FMOH.
Call to action
Attempted suicide remains a crime, punishable by one year jail term in both the Penal and Criminal Codes of Nigeria. This is clearly wrong and needs to change. The National Suicide Prevention Advocacy Coalition is pushing for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide and will host a National Conference to improve publicity among stakeholders on October 10, 2024 in Abuja. Asido Foundation (www.asidofoundation.com) is a key partner in this coalition and additional information about attendance (physical or virtual) can be found on its website. Please make it a date and support the call for decriminalisation of attempted suicide. What they need is care and treatment, and not punishment.
Conclusion
As we celebrate 64 years of nationhood, we have many challenges, but they are not insurmountable. They only require a conscious and strategic campaign to change minds and attitudes for the better; via societal re-engineering. Nation building can never be accidental. It must be deliberate and calculated, with a focus on investments in a healthy populace. And optimal mental health should necessarily be a core consideration. Our best resources are our human resources. And they need to be healthy for optimal productivity. Remember, good health includes physical, mental and social wellbeing. there is no health without mental health.
