The Federal Government has disclosed that it was focused on decentralising mental health service to improve access to affordable and quality mental health care in the country.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate stated this on Thursday, October 10, 2024 while commemorating this year’s World Mental Health Day in Abuja.
Pate informed that the 2024 World Mental Health Day tagged: “It’s Time To Prioritize Mental Health In Workplace”, reminds us of our collective responsibility to improve mental health awareness and address the mental health needs of our society.
Correspondingly, he disclosed that, “the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is committed to prioritizing the implementation of the mental health legislation and policy in Nigeria, with a focus on- decentralization of mental health service to improve access to affordable and quality mental health care in the country”.
The Minister noted that Mental health was as crucial as physical health, yet it had long been neglected and stigmatised.
“According to WHO 2022 report on mental health statistic, 1 in every 8 people in the world live with a mental disorder.
“The 2024 World Mental Health Day highlight various aspects of mental health at work, from workplace conditions and stress management to the importance of social inclusion and empowerment.
“The goal is clear: to champion mental health in the workplace and build best practices that create cultures where workers have the potential to contribute productively and thrive”, Pate said.
He informed that Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, were pervasive in workplaces globally, impacting productivity, attendance, and overall performance. When left untreated, the staggering economic cost is estimated at US$1 trillion annually according to WHO.
Therefore, “our government is committed to changing this narrative. The National Mental Health policy 2023 is focused on mental health promotion and decentralization of mental health services in Nigeria”.
He listed some of the policy action poised to improve mental health in workplace in the country to include: “Protect and promote workplace mental well being through training and interventions that increase mental health literacy, improve recognition and response to common mental health conditions at the workplace, and empower workers to seek support and help when needed.
“Prevent work-related mental health conditions by minimizing or eliminating work- related stressors using organizational interventions to reshape and modify working conditions, cultures and relationships”, among others.
The Minister disclosed that,” as part of our effort to improve the availability of mental health services delivery in the country, Nigeria has set a global record as the first country to contextualize the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) version 3.0″.
On his part, Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulombo lamented that people living with severe mental health conditions – including psychosocial disabilities (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) were, for reasons such as stigma and discrimination, largely excluded from work even though their participation in economic activities is important for their recovery.
Mulombo who was represented by Dr. Kelias Msyamboza maintained that, “working people, like all people, deserve an inherent right to the highest attainable standard of mental health at work, regardless of the type of employment. And people living with mental health conditions have a right to access, participate and thrive in work”.
He further stressed that Governments and employers had a responsibility to uphold that right by providing work that simultaneously prevents workers from experiencing excessive stress and mental health risks; protects and promotes workers’ mental health and wellbeing; and supports people to participate in the workforce fully and effectively, free from stigma, discrimination, or abuse.
“Effective policies and action to improve mental health at work are critical to uphold the human right to good health, including mental health, and to advance progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 3 on health and SDG 8 on decent work for all.
“As I conclude, I enjoin us all to work towards preventing work-related mental health conditions, protect and promote mental health at work, support workers with mental health conditions and create an enabling environment to improve mental health at work. Together, we can ensure that everyone can thrive at work and in life. Let’s all take action today for a healthier future”, Mulombo said.
