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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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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1.1 Introduction Prior to the operational commencement of the National Mental Health Act 2021 on 28th December 2022, the Lunacy Act 1958[1] regulated mental health disorders in Nigeria. The Lunacy Act 1958 began as a lunacy Ordinance 1916. The quest for comprehensive mental health legislation that aligns with contemporary best practices can be traced to…
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Recently the Lagos state government placed a ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastic products. The ban aims to curtail the environmental menace these products constitutes in the State. Widely used throughout the State by canteens, cafeterias and other types of food sellers serving the 20- million population of the one of the most densely…
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Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) The destructive traditional practice known as female genital mutilation (FGM) involves the removal of the external female genitalia entirely or in part, along with other injuries to the female genital organs performed for non-medical reasons. Each country has its justifications for female genital mutilation (FGM) even though female genital mutilation (FGM)…
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As health workers in Nigeria migrate in pursuit of better opportunities, Prof Onyemelukwe while speaking at the 2023 ‘Future Health Conference’ talked about the need for health worker migration policy.