The Abia State House of Assembly has initiated efforts to address mental health challenges within the state, aiming to raise awareness about the causes and solutions for individuals affected. The chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Emeka Obioma, highlighted these endeavors following a presentation of a survey report on mental health advocacy.
The study, titled ‘A Banstop Prevent,’ was conducted by a collaborative effort from Walk 347 and NAS Magna Carta to combat harmful practices in mental health care within Ubakala Umuahia South Local Government Area. The House Committee on Health is focusing on educating youths, who are predominantly impacted by mental health disorders due to their decision-making processes.
Efforts include organizing seminars for secondary school students to address substance abuse, identified as a leading cause of mental health issues. The committee expressed gratitude to the groups involved in the study and expressed readiness to collaborate with them to safeguard the future of Abia youths through continuous enlightenment on mental health issues.
Plans are in place to introduce motions in the House Committee to heighten awareness about mental health and potentially enact laws to protect individuals suffering from mental illnesses. The focus is on eradicating harmful practices like chaining, flogging, and confinement. Additionally, efforts are underway to upgrade health facilities to cater to individuals seeking help for mental health concerns.
A workshop is scheduled in Aba to educate selected schools in collaboration with the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency on the adverse effects of hard drugs, particularly targeting secondary school students vulnerable to drug abuse due to a lack of information.
Dr. Christian Abuajah, the field project coordinator for Banstop Advocacy Pilot Field Survey, emphasized that substance abuse is a primary cause of mental health challenges within the community under review. The study also identified challenges related to the treatment methods influenced by religious and cultural practices.
The next phase of the project will focus on advocacy, aiming to address the lack of proper information leading individuals to seek inappropriate healing methods for mental illnesses. The involvement of spiritual healers in the process was noted, emphasizing the importance of correct diagnosis and referrals for effective treatment.
Partners involved in the project, including Chudi Nwigwe, PhD, Chukwudi Onwudinanti, and Dr. Femi Adebajo, acknowledged the significant role played by the National Association of Seadogs and Walk 347 in conducting the research survey within Abia State.