20 Million Nigerians Grapple with Mental Illness – WHO

The recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that an estimated 20 million Nigerians, representing 20 per cent of the country’s population, are currently living with mental health conditions. This alarming statistic underscores the critical need for effective mental health care systems and awareness in the country.

This revelation was brought to public attention during a mental health GAP Action training programme held in Owerri, Imo State, on Tuesday, May 27, and organised by the Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH). The event aimed to address the growing mental health crisis and equip more professionals with the skills to intervene effectively.

Dr. Azubike Aliche, Secretary of the Board of Trustees of NAIMH, emphasized the importance of building capacity among non-psychiatrists.

According to him, the training is designed to empower these professionals to conduct screenings, identify mental health symptoms, and support individuals in managing these symptoms. He highlighted the urgency of the initiative given the worsening mental health landscape in Nigeria.

Dr. Aliche described the prevalence of depression in Nigeria as “alarming”, noting that the country reportedly has one of the highest caseloads of depression globally. He stressed the need for deliberate and strategic efforts to reverse the disturbing trend. “Available reports indicate that only 10 per cent of people living with mental illness have access to care in Nigeria, and this has to change,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu, described the mental health crisis as a “global challenge” that demands both local and international collaboration. She called on the Nigeria-American Institute for Mental Health to leverage existing government policies on mental health in order to expand reach and impact.

Adding to the call for action, Mr. Justice Ulunta, one of the training facilitators from the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, stressed the importance of adequate government funding.

He urged the government to allocate sufficient resources for the training of mental health experts and for the provision of well-equipped mental health facilities across the country.

This training initiative represents a critical step forward in bridging the gap in mental health care in Nigeria. However, experts agree that sustained funding, policy implementation, and public awareness are vital for achieving long-term progress in addressing Nigeria’s mental health crisis.