The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello has urged the Association of Psychiatrist in Nigeria to embark on awareness creation activities on issues of mental health, to check cases of drug abuse, depression and suicide.
Bello gave the advice at the 52 Annual General Scientific Meeting (AGSM) Abuja 2021 of the association, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report that the theme of the AGSM is, “Mental Health and National Development in Nigeria: A Call for Action.”
The minister, represented by Dr Mohammed Kawu, the Acting Secretary, FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, said that mental health in Nigeria was not given the prominence it deserved because some patients and their families choose not to speak out or seek professional help for fear of stigmatisation.
“It is, therefore, imperative that your association embark on public sensitisation campaign to shed more light on the issues of mental health.
” Your theme for this gathering which is Mental Health and National Development in Nigeria: A call to Action, is therefore very timely, and germane.
” I will, therefore, like to underscore the importance of this meeting which has brought together leading psychiatrist from within and outside the country.
“There is no doubt that this gathering will advance the frontiers of psychiatrist practice in Nigeria,” Bello said.
Earlier, the President of the association, Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, said the national development of any country rests on the well being of its citizens.
Sheikh said, “In the same vein we know that there is no health without mental health. It is no only an adage but a stark reality.
“I believe our erudite academics and highly experienced clinicians are here and ready to dwell thoroughly into this theme that aptly captures the present state of our country.”
Also speaking, Dr Olusola Ephraim-Oluwanuga, Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Department of Psychiatrist, National Mosque, Abuja, said the programme would contribute immensely towards addressing issues of mental health in the country. (NAN)
