11m adolescents face mental health disorders in Nigeria - Experts - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
Spread the wordMental health experts have raised concerns over the growing burden of mental health disorders among Nigerian adolescents, warning that an estimated 11 million young people may currently be. . .
Spread the wordMental health experts have raised concerns over the growing burden of mental health disorders among Nigerian adolescents, warning that an estimated 11 million young people may currently be living with one form of mental health condition. The warning was issued in Abuja during the National Legislative Roundtable on Teens and Youth Mental Health, where stakeholders called for urgent policy reforms, stronger collaboration and increased investment to address what they described as a looming public health crisis. The roundtable was attended by the honourable member alongside his colleagues, Hon. Ibe Okwara Osonwa, representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency of Abia State, and Hon. Mohammed Bello El-Rufai, representing Kaduna North Federal Constituency of Kaduna State. Also in attendance was a representative of the Minister of Youth Development, alongside other guests and participants. Speaking at the event, the Founder and Executive Director of the Initiative for Self Esteem Education and Advocacy, Rosemary Ochiwu, said the figure was based on global estimates by the World Health Organisation, which show that one in every seven adolescents lives with a mental health condition. She noted that applying the WHO estimates to Nigeria’s adolescent population suggests that nearly 11 million young Nigerians could be battling mental health disorders. “These are not mere statistics. They represent 11 million young people with dreams and limitless potential whose futures depend, in part, on the decisions we make today,” Ochiwu said. She further stated that half of all mental health disorders begin before the age of 14, stressing the need for early intervention, preventive measures and accessible mental healthcare services. Ochiwu called for stronger collaboration among the ministries responsible for youth development, health, education, justice and women affairs, alongside development partners, civil society organisations, communities and families, to tackle the challenge. According to her, effective mental health policies would influence national priorities, shape budgetary allocations, strengthen institutions and ultimately save lives. “If hope can save one life, then hope translated into policy can save millions,” she added. Also speaking, the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, said the Federal Government was developing a National Teens and Youth Mental Health Policy to provide a coordinated response to the growing challenge. The minister said the proposed policy would be developed in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Assembly, development partners, civil society organisations and youth-led groups. He explained that the policy was designed to move beyond advocacy by providing practical solutions that would strengthen prevention, build resilience and improve access to quality mental health services for adolescents and young people. Olawande added that the initiative aligns with the World Health Organisation’s global framework, which encourages countries to adopt evidence-based policies, promote early intervention and ensure active participation of young people in decisions affecting their wellbeing. He urged stakeholders to ensure that recommendations from the roundtable translate into concrete actions capable of improving mental health outcomes and securing a healthier future for Nigerian youths. Spread the word