By Comfort Olayinka
In a landmark initiative, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has unveiled significant measures aimed at addressing the mental health needs of Nigerians.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted these developments during the commemoration of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 19, 2024, in Abuja.
The Ministry launched a comprehensive National Suicide Strategic Framework 2023-2030, designed to identify risk factors and implement evidence-based interventions for suicide prevention.
Pate emphasized that the framework aligns with international best practices and marks a critical step towards the prevention and promotion of mental well-being in Nigeria.
Recognizing the urgency of the issue, Pate noted that Nigeria’s suicide rate stands at 12.9 per 100,000, surpassing the African average of 11.2. He urged a collective societal effort to shift the narrative surrounding suicide, promoting the message that it is a preventable tragedy.
Pate also announced plans to collaborate with the Office of the Attorney General to address legal barriers related to attempted suicide, advocating for the decriminalization of this act. The event underscored the importance of reducing stigma and fostering open discussions about mental health, particularly among young people, who represent a significant proportion of those affected by suicide.
‘Apart from the mental health policy launched last year, the Ministry also launched a National Suicide Strategic Framework 2023-2030. This document clearly identify the risk factors and protective factors associated with suicide in Nigeria.”
“It also identified the strategic objectives, interventions and indicators for suicide prevention in Nigeria in line with the international best practices. One of the key policy actions in this important document is the decriminalization of attempted suicide.”
” May I inform you that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare 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 to improve the mental health and well-being of all people in Nigeria. Soonest, Nigeria will join comity of nations that have decriminalized attempted suicide.”
Daju Kachollom, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, reinforced the commitment to implementing the National Suicide Prevention Framework and acknowledged the collective responsibility to support those in need. She expressed gratitude to partners and stakeholders, emphasizing that every effort counts in the fight against suicide.
“The Ministry will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the National Suicide Prevention Strategic Framework which provides a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention in the country”
“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our partners, stakeholders, and every individual who has contributed to the fight against suicide. Your dedication and hard work are making a difference, and together, we will continue to strive for a world where suicide is no longer seen as an option.”
Representatives from various organizations, including the World Health Organization, commended the Nigerian government’s strides in mental health policy and the proactive steps being taken to address this pressing public health issue.
