Dr Osagie Ohanire, Nigeria’s Minister
Dr Osagie Ohanire, Nigeria’s Minister of
Health
As Nigeria joins the global community to celebrate the 2019
World Mental Health day, the Federal Ministry of Health has said
that Suicides are Preventable but the strategy calls for
evidence-based multi-sector interventions that must transcend the
barriers posed by stigma and taboos.
In a statement issued to mark the Day, it was said that the
theme of this year’s celebration “SUICIDE PREVENTION”, is apt,
considering the increasing rate of suicides globally, which Nigeria
is not exempted from. It disclosed that “Every year,
800,000 people take their lives and every 40 seconds, someone loses
his/her life to suicide.”
Over 75% of these preventable deaths occur in countries like
Nigeria, and for every suicide that is committed; more of it has
been attempted. The statement regretted challenges associated with
suicide prevention which includes: under reporting due to factors
such as stigmatization and taboos, resulting in incorrect
information. As such, the number of people affected is more than
the available data on record.
The statement underlined that since suicide is a global
occurrence with consequences that extend beyond the loss of lives
in families and communities affected by that loss, a leading cause
of death among 15 to 29 year olds globally, it makes suicide a
major public health concern.
To this end, the statement expressed the Ministry’s concern
about the scourge, particularly among young Nigerians and stressed
that it is committed to implementing evidence-based interventions
to control the plight on the populace. “It is a worthwhile
endeavour to safeguard precious Nigerian lives and the Federal
Ministry of Health will relentlessly pursue these efforts.” the
statement noted.
The Ministry is also in the process of finalising Mental Health
Legislation in Nigeria and updating the existing National Mental
Health policy to promote mental health, prevent onset of mental
health disorders and improve availability of mental health services
in the country.
Linking suicide and mental health, the statement
said suicide usually occur in moments of deadly
co-action between crisis, impulsive and inability to deal with
stressful situations such as, financial difficulties , breakdown of
relationships, chronic pain and illness. Other factors associated
with suicidal behaviour include experiencing conflict and
disasters, violence, abuse or loss.
The day is earmarked to raise awareness and mobilise efforts in
support of mental health. It is also aimed at creating a platform
for stakeholders working on mental health to discuss issues about
their work and highlight what needs to be done to advance mental
health Agenda globally.
Enefaa Bob-Manuel
Head Public Relations