Introduction The ability to lead happy lives is intricately tied to our mental health, a vital component of human well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act daily. It also influences our relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life.[1] Unfortunately, mental health issues are a global concern,[2] and one of the gravest consequences of…
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Introduction Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a deeply entrenched and harmful practice that affects millions of girls and women worldwide, particularly in Africa. FGM has severe physical and emotional consequences, including immediate health risks, long-term complications, and psychological trauma. According to UNICEF, at least 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM, with…
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Introduction Cancer, one of the leading causes of death globally, accounts for approximately 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths worldwide as of 2022. The figures for cancer globally are staggering. By 2024, the number of new cases per year will rise to 29.9 million and the death rates to 15.3 million.[1]. For instance,…
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In 2021, the Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD) conducted a pivotal study to explore the role of men and boys in gender-based violence (GBV) interventions within Nigerian tertiary institutions. The research revealed a significant gap in the engagement strategies employed by Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs). Specifically, it highlighted that men and boys…
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CHELD is a governmental organisation registered in Nigeria and established in 2010. We are a research think-tank and an implementer in public health, mental health, child health and survival, gender-based violence, NCDs, and migration, and their intersections with health, amongst other areas of interest. 2023 was an important year for us at CHELD. Our work…
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On 1 November 2024, there was public outcry, and rightly so, when some minors were arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, on account of their alleged participation in the August #EndBadGovernance protests. The charges against them ranged from treason to terrorism, and arson, amongst others. Several videos showed…
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L-R: National Coordinator, National Mental Health Program, FMoH, Dr Tunde Masseyferguson Ojoh; Permanent Secretary, FMOH, Daju Kachulom; Director, Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, FMoH, Dr. Chukwuma Anyaike and Executive Director, Center for Health Ethics Law and Development, Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, during the Commemoration of World Mental Health Day and Launching of Contextualized MHGAP 3.0…
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The Federal Government has established the National Taskforce on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide. The inauguration, which took place on Thursday, October 10, 2024, coincided with the World Mental Health Day. The primary goal of the Taskforce is the development of an action plan for the decriminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria and the aftermath.…
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Centre For Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD) in partnership with Asido Foundation and the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Maiduguri, is working to provide mental health support to the people of Maiduguri in the aftermath of the recent flooding disaster which has left many in significant trauma. The recent flooding in Maiduguri has shattered families, searching…
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Mental health experts have called on the Federal Government to work towards the speedy implementation of the National Mental Health Act to ensure the well-being of individuals and society. The experts recently made this call during a virtual meeting organised by the Centre for Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD), themed ‘Implementing the National Mental…
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The House of Representatives Committee on Specialty Healthcare chaired by Hon. Dr. Alex Egbona held an interactive session with stakeholders on the need to prioritize and implement the provisions of the Mental Health Act to tackle suicide and suicidality in Nigeria. Stakeholders from the government, neuropsychiatric hospitals, professional associations, the development sector, and civil society…
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