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The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards addressing the stigma surrounding mental health by establishing a national taskforce on the decriminalisation of attempted suicide.
The taskforce, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, aims to develop a comprehensive action plan to decriminalise attempted suicide and provide adequate support for individuals struggling with mental health issues.
The initiative comes on the heels of calls from mental health experts and civil society for a more humane approach to suicide prevention. Organisations like the Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD) have been advocating for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide and providing legal support to those affected.
The taskforce, which includes members from the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria and the National Mental Health Programme, will work to ensure that individuals who attempt suicide receive the necessary psychological and medical support instead of facing criminal charges.
This move aligns with the global trend towards decriminalising attempted suicide and prioritising care and rehabilitation over punishment. By addressing mental health issues with compassion and understanding, Nigeria can provide a more supportive environment for individuals in crisis.
