FG, NGOs seek mental healthcare for persons with NTDs

The Federal Government, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), have launched a project to improve the mental healthcare of individuals suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). NTDs are a group of diseases that primarily affect individuals living in poverty or in remote areas with limited access to healthcare. These diseases include conditions […]

The Federal Government, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and other Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), have launched a project to improve the mental healthcare of individuals suffering from Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

NTDs are a group of diseases that primarily affect individuals living in poverty or in remote areas with limited access to healthcare. These diseases include conditions such as leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), and trachoma, among others.

The project is targeted to reach nearly 1,000 persons with NTD morbidity with mental healthcare services and support. However, over 50,000 people at risk of contracting the disease will be reached with awareness campaigns.

The project, to run from August 1, 2023 – January 31, 2025, is aimed at contributing to improved mental health and wellbeing of people living with NTDs in Nigeria and the West Africa region.

It is also to support government and civil society actors to achieve the mental health objectives in the Nigeria NTD master plan.

The Country Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Ms. Ekaete Umoh, while speaking last Friday in Abuja at the project launch, titled: “Strengthening Access to People-Centred Mental Healthcare for Persons affected by Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria”, said it aligns with the federal government’s plan to improve access to quality inclusive education, mental health services, and others.

She said: “This project aligns with our Country Strategy Plan: Collaborative Actions to End the Cycle of Poverty & Disabilities (COLLABO: 2023-2026), Strategic Objective which seeks to improve Access to quality inclusive education, comprehensive, affordable, and holistic health services (eye care/NTDs, mental health services etc.).

“Our advocacy supports and amplifies the voices of people with disabilities, from community to global level. Our advisory approach is undertaken with the best technical experts on disability inclusion – people with disabilities themselves.

“Available evidence shows that NTDs contribute to about 1% of the global burden of disease and cause devastating human, social and economic impact on over one billion people globally – an estimated 40% of whom are in the African region. In Nigeria, an estimated 168 million people (nearly 80% of the population) are at risk of at least one NTD.

“Furthermore, research has shown that many NTDs have a substantial comorbidity with mental health. Depression and anxiety are most associated with many of the NTDs, driven by social exclusion and discrimination associated with stigma.

“Stigma can be reduced by offering integrated services for diagnosis, control and treatment of skin NTDs and common skin conditions. Joint delivery of psychosocial and stigma reduction interventions (Community education and counselling) suitable for multiple skin NTDs can also help to improve access to these services and improve the quality of life of persons affected.”

Daily Trust reports that the project is an 18-month pilot project supported by Anesvad Foundation with counterpart funding from a consortium of NGO partners (CBM Global Disability Inclusion, Health and Development Support Programme, RedAid Nigeria, and The Leprosy Mission Nigeria), led by CBM Global Disability Inclusion, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and International Association for Integration, Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA) Nigeria.