By Comfort Olayinka
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing mental health in workplaces, marking the 2024 World Mental Health Day.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the permanent Secretary of the ministry Daju Kacholom MNI emphasized the importance of addressing mental health issues in the workplace, citing the staggering economic cost of untreated mental health conditions, estimated at US$1 trillion annually.
“Policy actions to improve mental health in the workplace include encouraging employers and employees to develop health policies for the workplace, prevent work-related mental health conditions, protect and promote workplace mental well-being, and support workers with mental health conditions to participate fully in work,” Prof Pate.
He expressed the Ministry’s dedication towards changing the story of mental health in the country.
“Nigeria is dedicated to changing the narrative on mental health,” Prof. Pate stated. “Our National Mental Health Policy 2023 focuses on decentralization and promotion of mental health services.”
The coordinating ministry also announced plans to decentralize mental health services nationwide, aimed to enhance access to affordable and high-quality mental healthcare for all citizens. Says the move is part of the ministry’s commitment to prioritizing mental health legislation.
Prof Pate, revealed this initiative while launching the Intervention Guide for Mental, Neurological, and Substance Use Disorders in Non-Special Health Settings a Programme (mhGAP) version 3.0, to address the mental health treatment gap and strengthening human resources development.
“In a significant milestone towards improved mental health and well-being for Nigerians, Nigeria has become the first country to contextualize the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) version 3.0. The contextualized mhGAP aims to address the mental health treatment gap in the country and strengthen human resources for mental health service delivery.”
The Minister urges public and private sectors to join this global agenda, providing resources and creating supportive cultures that improve mental health in workplaces.
“Let us work together to prioritize mental health, reduce stigma, and promote well-being and productivity,” Prof. Pate concluded.
He said the commitment marks a significant step towards improving mental health awareness and support in Nigeria’s workplaces.
Representing the Permanent Secretary,Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike, Director of Public Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, highlights the importance of promoting mental health in the workplace, not only as a corporate responsibility but also as a national interest. He acknowledges the crucial role of civil society organizations, professional bodies, and media partners in advocating for mental health awareness and progress.
“I also want to acknowledge our civil society organizations, professional bodies, and media partners. Your advocacy, continuous dialogue, and efforts to spread awareness have contributed significantly to the progress we have made in mental health advocacy.”
