Mental health experts have called on the Federal Government to ensure proper implementation of the Mental Health Act in Nigeria.
The call was made as today marks World Mental Health Day by the World Health Organisation with the theme: “Mental health is a universal human right”.
WHO explains every October 10 is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
“The Day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work, and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide,” WHO added.
According to the body, laws on mental health, currently often fail to address discrimination and human rights violations including in mental health care settings.
According to reports in January that former President, Muhammadu Buhari signed the harmonised Mental Health Bill into law.
The Bill, which was harmonised by the Senate and House of Representatives in 2021, will replace the Lunacy Act of 1958.
A mental health expert, Ebere Okonkwo, advocates the need for the government to properly ensure the implementation at the grassroots.
The founder of Mycarebuddy – a mental health therapy startup based in Nigeria, serving individuals across different communities and strata, also urged the government to formulate good economic policies as a way to alleviate economic realities hitting Nigerians
