Follow Us on Google
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
Stakeholders involved in trauma management in Nigeria have confirmed the growing cases of trauma among Nigerians, attributing it to economic hardship that was recently visited on Nigerians through the fuel subsidy removal.
They demanded an expedited actions on the proposed policy document on trauma management, and strongly pushed for improved workplace safety for workers and visitors.
They made the demand at an event to mark the 2024 World Trauma Day organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in Abuja.
Prince Ache Julius Ogu, Chairman, Coalition of Road Safety NGOs in Nigeria, led the campaign for a total overhaul of trauma management policy in Nigeria in order to protect the mental sanity of the people.
He stated that Nigerians are truly passing through a lot of trauma because of the precarious socioeconomic situation that people are faced with in recent times.
He informed the government that the widespread political instability, incessant social upheaval, the worsening economic fortunes of many, the heightened insecurity, the violent conflicts and wars, have worsened the mental state of an average Nigerian.
He said the challenges, compounded by the breakdown in traditional family support systems which has attended the modern urban culture, as well as the emergence of new diseases and epidemics, have all combined to render the average modern person more vulnerable to mental confusion, burn-out, depression, psycho-trauma and post-traumatic-stress-disorders, addictive disorders of all kinds, mid-life crisis, suicide ideation, suicides, etc., than those of previous generations.
In his remarks, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, who was represented by the Director, Teaching Hospitals, Dr. Anuoma Ogbonnaya, appreciated the work that the NGOs are doing, reminding them of the need to collectively work on trauma management as well as workplace safety.
He said: “World Trauma Day is dedicated to fostering empathy, resilience and support for trauma survivors. It provides an opportunity to spread awareness about the multifaceted impact of trauma.
“Traumatic experiences can leave enduring effects on mental and physical well-being of an individual, therefore, offering support to those who have endured such events demands our utmost care and compassion.”
The Minister stated that this year’s theme, “Workplace Injury Prevention and Management”, which is particularly significant as stakeholders stress the need to protect health and well-being of the workforce.
“Workplace injuries not only impact individuals and families, but also bear considerable consequences in our economy and society as a whole. Workplace safety is a fundamental right, and as a nation, we are committed to reducing the incidence of workplace injuries through robust prevention and management strategies,” he further stated.
Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Azeez Aderemi, Director Specialty Hospital, stated that World Trauma Day is another clarion call to renew commitment to reducing workplace injuries through proactive prevention and robust management strategies.
Meanwhile, Representatives of the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Directorate of Road Services (DRS), International Committe of the Red Cross (ICRC), National Orthopedic Association of Nigeria and other non-governmental organizations also pledged to continuously support the cause of trauma management in Nigeria.
