The Abuja-based Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health is to commence a training programme next year to implement the World Health Organisation Mental Health Gap Action Programme in Nigeria.
A statement signed by the Secretary, Board of Trustees of the Institute, Dr. Azubike Aliche, stated that the implementation of the WHO MH-GAP training program will train primary health extension workers, social workers, nurses, schoolteachers, hospital staff, and others in the local communities to enable them to identify symptoms of certain mental health conditions, manage the symptoms, and/or refer serious cases to professional mental health providers.
“Targeted in the training and treatment are depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, suicide ideation, and substance use disorders,” the statement said.
It added that “under the training program, master trainers will be trained who, in turn, will train non-mental health professionals at the local community levels.”
“During the first phase of the programme,” the statement said, ‘covering one year, training will be conducted in Abia, Anambra, and Enugu states. The second phase of the program will see training conducted in Ebonyi and Imo states.”
“Under the program, 25 master trainers will be trained. And for each of the states to benefit from the programme, 150 community health workers and others will be trained in each of the identified five local governments in the states where the training programme will take place.”
“Training staff will include coordinators, program monitoring and evaluation officers, program assistants, and master trainers. Under the program, training will be conducted onsite and virtually, using the WHO MH-GAP training guide/manual.”
“As part of the training program, ancillary services will be planned for and, as part of adapting the MH-GAP program to the Nigerian environment. These will include support services and programs aimed at creating awareness of the program in local communities and beyond.”
“Others will involve measures designed to increase the number and quality of other mental healthcare providers/practitioners to care for the emotional health of the people in the communities in which we operate.”
“The NAIMH was incorporated by Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission in May 2022. It is an NGO limited by guarantee. The Institute is committed to the development of manpower and programs of education, research, and other activities for the expansion of mental healthcare in Nigeria.”
“The Institute sponsors educational and enlightenment programs, including seminars, workshops, etc., as a component of its role in the expansion of the mental health workforce and services in Nigeria.”
“The impetus for the creation of the NAIMH is that the need for mental health services and psychoeducation in Nigeria surpasses available resources.”
“The NAIMH aims to illuminate this disparity and forge partnerships with individuals, organisations, and agencies to create a viable path of support through education and increased availability of effective professionals who are skilled in the field of mental health.
“We are committed to creating programs and services to address issues of mental illness, the dismantling of stigma around mental health, and the general psychological wellbeing of many Nigerians.
“The NAIMH is sponsored by the Nigerian Mental Health Practitioners USA Inc. (NMHPUSA). It functions as the vehicle for the work of the NMHPUSA in Nigeria. All operations of the NMHPUSA in Nigeria emanate from this institute.
“The Nigerian Mental Health Practitioners USA Inc. (www.mentalhealthpractitioners.org) was incorporated in 2018 in the State of New Jersey, USA, as a non-profit organisation.”
“It is classified by the United States Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as a 501(c)(3) public charity. The organisation comprises a group of Nigerians who actively practice mental health care in the United States.”
“This group includes psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and other mental health counsellors,” the statement added.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
