As the Global
Community observes
World Mental Health Day, today, October 10, 2023, the Senator,
Representing Rivers West Senatorial District, Rivers
State ,Sen.Dr. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, DSSRS says poor awareness, Drug Addiction, Harmful Spiritual/Traditional Belief system, Ignorance and lack of access to qualified and Mental Healthcare facility in most States of the Federation; as factors escalating Mental Health Disorder in Nigeria.
Sen. Dr. Banigo who is the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health , stated this today in a statement commemorating the World Mental Health Day Celebration signed by Paul Abia,her Press Secretary.
Dr.Benigo , a Harvard trained Medical Personnel noted that the National Mental Health Act ,2021 seeks to promote and protect the lives of people suffering from Mental Health illness, while also addressing the flaws of Lunacy Ordinance anacted in 1916 which preceded the Lunacy Act of 1958 .
According to the National Law Maker, the World Health Organization (WHO), refers to Community based mental health care provided outside of a Psychiatric Hospital,.this include services available
through primary health care, District or Regional General Hospital as well as relevant Social services which underscores the need for collaborative effort amongst Stakeholders .
Senator Banigo further explained that the increased cases of Mental Healthchallenges , could be traced to Child Abuse, Traumatic experience,Neglect, Social stigmatization or racial discrimination and economic pressures.
She therefore advised people with such experiences to always engage the service of Mental Health Professionals, periodic medical checkup at mental treatment Health Centres nearest to them.
The Senator called on relevant Government Agencies to ensure effective implementation and reorientation of the Public on mental health Act 2021 .
The World Mental Health Day is set aside every 10th of October to illuminate necessary knowledge, sensitize the people and taking actions that guarantee standards mental health.
The Theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day is “ Mental Health is a Universal Human Rights”.
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