In other to curb the spate of Mental Health issues in Edo, the State government has collaborated with the Inosezilo Family Foundation (IFF), a coalition of 14 organizations, which aims to address the rising mental health issues across Nigeria in raising awareness on mental health.
The Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Zubairu Dada Abubakar, who made this known while playing host to the IFF Team, in his office in Benin City, also pledged the states government support towards championing the cause of Mental Health.
The Team Leader of the IFF Mr. Abraham Inosezilo Obode Mr. Obode, highlighted the importance of conducting research and surveys to gather data and develop policy recommendations for the State. He informed that the organization was formerly known as Society for Awareness and Family Initiative, a coalition of 14 organizations, which aims to address the rising mental health issues across Nigeria.
He emphasized the need to gauge the awareness of Mental Health issues such as Anxiety and Insomnia among, as well as assess the availability and accessibility of Mental Health facilities in the State, saying that the Coalition plans to begin with the survey of at least, 278 persons across the 18 local government areas in Edo State and that partnering with the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, would provide a key medium to reach youth bodies across the State.
According to him, the anticipated success of the collaboration would result in amplifying the Coalition’s efforts in making more significant impact, noting Coalition’s objectives to include the development of policies and recommendations that will improve Mental Health support and services in Edo State, while suing for synergy to enable the creation of a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing mental health issues.
He further stated that the survey would provide valuable insights into the Mental Health landscape in Edo State, enabling the development of targeted interventions and support services, adding that by engaging with stakeholders and gathering data, the Coalition hopes to create a framework for addressing Mental Health issues that can be replicated in other States and regions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) estimate, a whopping 20% of Nigerians, or around 40 million people, are affected by mental illness.
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