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•Partners US group, to distribute drugs to psychiatric hospitals in South East
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
Globally, one billion people are living with a mental disorder. Three million others die every year from the harmful use of alcohol, while one person dies every 40 seconds by suicide.
Experts also disclosed that societal stigma, discrimination and human rights abuses of people with mental health conditions further worsen the situation of mental health disorders in the country. More disturbing; relatively few people in Nigeria have access to quality and affordable mental health services.
Former Medical Director, Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Prof. Monday Igwe, said more than 75 per cent of the people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders received no treatment for their condition. He lamented that psychiatrists in Nigeria were grossly inadequate with eight Federal Government funded psychiatric hospitals and about 350 psychiatrists to take care of 200 million Nigeria population:
“Shortage of manpower in mental health is made worse by migration outside the country by medical workers for better pay. People should show love, compassion and care to mental health patients. The illness is like any other health issue.”
He listed some triggers to include high level of unemployment, inflation, terrorism, banditry, communal conflicts and kidnapping, adding that people’s daily lives and activities had changed considerably as a result of these unhealthy developments:
“All these unfriendly developments lead to losses to many. For some, it may further lead to depression and hopelessness that may trigger off full blown mental health challenges. Painfully, most countries including Nigeria spend on average of only two per cent of their health budgets on mental health.
“World Health Organisation (WHO), together with partner agencies, is calling for a massive scale-up in quality of mental health services. This is the time for the world to come together and begin redressing the historic neglect of mental health. Unless we make serious commitments to scale up services in mental health right now, the health, social and economic consequences will be far-reaching.”
In response, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora teamed up with the Nigerian-American Mental Health Practitioners Inc. USA (NMHPUSA) to improve psychiatric care in the South East. Through the partnership, the organisations on February 27, 2025, donated essential mental health medication to selected hospitals to bridge the gap in mental healthcare services in the region.
President General and Founder, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, Chief Kate Ezeofor, described the initiative as an important step in addressing the growing mental health crisis in the region: Umuada Igbo is partnering with Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, to establish a Mental Health Plaza and an International Women Development Centre, which will promote mental health awareness, Igbo language education, and political training of young people.
“On behalf of Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora, comprising the seven Igbo-speaking states of Nigeria including Abia, Anambra, Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Imo, and Rivers, as well as Igbo women living in other states of Nigeria and in the Diaspora, I welcome you all to the occasion of handing over to the beneficiaries, the mental health medication sent by the Nigerian-American Mental Health Practitioners Inc. USA.
“Because of our collaboration with Mental Health Practitioners, we discussed the alarming rate of mental health problems in Nigeria. We have carved out a parcel of land from which Godfrey Okoye University gave us, to enable them to build a mental health plaza in Nigeria.
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“It was during our discussion on the rise of mental health problems that we arrived at mental health medication donated by Nigerian-American Mental Health Practitioners Inc USA represented by Mr Tunde Ipinmisho, Board Chairman and Dr Azubike Aliche, LICSW-Board Secretary, of which you are beneficiaries.”
Ezeofor expressed worry that though mental illness is a growing public health concern in Nigeria, access to treatment remains limited.
She revealed that the Nigerian-American Institute for Mental Health (NAIMH), established in 2022 as a project of NMHPUSA, is working to close this gap through training, research, and awareness programmes: “The impetus for the creation of the NAIMH is that the need for mental health service and psychoeducation in Nigeria surpasses available resources. The NAIMH aims to illuminate this disparity and forge partnerships with individuals, organizations, and agencies to create a viable path of support.”
At the event, Head of Training at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Dr. Kenechukwu Udo, stressed the need to change societal attitudes towards mental health explaining that the lack of psychiatric professionals, poor funding, and deep-rooted stigma had worsened the mental health situation in the country.
He also stated that stigma had prevented many from seeking help, thereby making it necessary for more awareness campaigns: “There are a lot of superstitious issues surrounding mental health. Mental illness is like any other illness. If the brain has any malfunction, the person should also seek the help of a mental health physician.
“Anybody can fall victim to mental illness. However we look at it, we all can be affected by these mental health issues.”
The psychiatric medication was handed over to three key institutions in the region, namely; Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Enugu, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Awka and Chika Divine Psychospiritual Centre, Enugu’
Dr. Emmanuel Chukwu who spoke on behalf of other recipients of the drug assured that the medication would be put to good use: “We thank Umuada Igbo Nigeria and the donors for the supplies. These drugs will go a long way in helping patients who are in dire need.”
Aside, mental health, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora is also championing other healthcare initiatives.
Ezeofor revealed that the traditional ruler of Omogho, Igwe Raphael Offor, in liaison with the Omogho Community in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, has donated 7.735 hectares of land for the construction of an international cancer and diagnostic centre.
With its strong international partnerships and dedication to community development, Umuada Igbo Nigeria and in Diaspora continues to push for improved healthcare services, cultural preservation, and women’s empowerment in the South East and beyond.
