On World Mental Health Day, Aisha Bubah and Jecinta Egbim are stepping up their advocacy for inclusive and equitable mental healthcare in Nigeria.
The movement for mental health awareness is gaining traction in Nigeria, fueled by an urgent need to combat stigma and expand access to care. Despite having a mental health policy in place since 1991, the country continues to grapple with a lack of community-based mental health services.
As Nigerians navigate an inadequate mental health system, Nguvu Collective Change Leaders Aisha Bubah and Jecinta Egbim are drawing attention to this critical issue.
Aisha Bubah, a psychologist and dedicated advocate, underscores the importance of enhancing access to mental health care across Nigeria. She has launched a campaign urging the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to train primary healthcare workers as lay counselors capable of providing essential mental health support and referrals. Additionally, she is advocating for the creation of mental health desks at healthcare centers and the training of doctors and nurses to address mental health concerns within communities.
“As a survivor of insurgency, I comprehend the profound need for mental health support, particularly for those who have faced trauma,” Aisha states. “Access to quality mental healthcare is a fundamental human right, and we must ensure it is available to everyone.”
Jecinta Egbim, Aisha’s fellow Change Leader, is focusing her efforts on the mental well-being of adolescents attending public schools in Nigeria, especially in regions impacted by violence. She sheds light on the significant psychological impact of crises such as bombings, kidnappings, and banditry, particularly in states like Kaduna. Jecinta advocates for mandatory Guidance and Counseling units in public schools, as outlined in Nigeria’s National Policy on Education.
“Our children are growing up in environments where threats of violence are ever-present, and the trauma from these experiences is frequently neglected,” Jecinta explains. “It is essential that we provide mental health support in schools. Teachers need training to offer counseling, and every child should have access to a safe, supportive environment where they can heal and flourish.”
According to the World Health Organization, over 720,000 individuals die by suicide each year, with 77 percent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries like Nigeria. The nation also has one of the highest rates of depression in Africa, coupled with a critical shortage of mental health professionals. A 2021 report from the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria (APN) indicates that there are only 250 psychiatrists available to serve Nigeria’s 215 million population.
Through their petitions and advocacy, Aisha and Jecinta aim to inspire policymakers to work alongside local stakeholders in crafting a mental health system that is inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.
Their efforts highlight the necessity of tackling mental health issues at the grassroots level, ensuring that community members and students receive the care they genuinely deserve. As Nigeria confronts widespread trauma and an overstretched healthcare system, the work of these Change Leaders is paving the way for a more compassionate, responsive, and inclusive approach to mental health in the country.
