From Lateef Taiwo
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that it has taken significant steps to support and address mental health needs of all citizenry in the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate made the disclosure in his remarks at an event on commemoration of 2024 World Suicide Prevention Day with the Theme ” Changing the Narrative on Suicide” held on Thursday in Abuja.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Daju Kachollom mni, the Minister, stressed that the steps are not only for treatment but for prevention and promotion of mental well being among Nigerians.
Pate noted that apart from the mental health policy launched last year, the ministry has also launched a National Suicide Strategic Framework 2023-2030, which according to him, the document clearly identify the risk and protective factors associated with Suicide Prevention in the country.
He further stated that the document has also identified the strategic objectives, interventions and indicators for suicide prevention in Nigeria in line with the International best practices, adding that the Ministry is working closely with the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and partners to address the section of the law that criminalized attempted Suicide and improve the mental health and well-being of Nigerians, assuring that Nigeria would soon join comity of nations that have discriminalized attempted Suicide.
The Coordinating Minister, while acknowledging the pain and suffering of those who have lost loved ones to suicide, described suicide prevention crusade as a collective responsibility , urging that together we must be committed to creating a society that values mental health, promotes well-being, and provides care for all .
Pate, lamented on the rate of suicides in Africa which is 11.2 per 100,000 people higher than the global average of 9.0 per 100,000 people , while in Nigeria, available data on Suicide rate is at 12.9 per 100,000, saying that in changing the narrative on suicide, it means that there must be shift from focusing solely on the tragedy of suicide to the hope of prevention.
The Coordinating Minister, who stated that suicide rates are mostly high among young people aged (15-29years) and it is fourth leading cause of death among them , said that the theme of this year’s event is aimed to raise awareness about the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging open conversations to prevent suicides.
During her welcome address, which was delivered by Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director, Public Health, the Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Daju Kachollom mni, described every lost to suicide as a tragic reminder of collective duty to do more, to reach out and to change the narrative around this preventable tragedy , adding that every life is precious.
The Permanent Secretary, mentioned that significant strides have been made in mental health awareness, policy formulation and Provision of mental services, adding that in contrast, a positive narrative embraces the idea that suicide is preventable and those who are struggling can be supported and helped, stressing that the narrative also encourages open dialogue, where seeking help is viewed as a sign of strength, not weakness.
Representatives of Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as development partners such as World Health Organization, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) presented goodwill messages and commended the giant efforts of the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, for developing Mental health policy and implementation framework, National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework among other efforts in mental health services.
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