Insecurity in north fuelling mental health crisis in Nigeria, says Kukah

The Catholic bishop of Sokoto diocese, Mathew Kukah, has linked the current mental health crisis in Nigeria to the incessant violence and insecurity plaguing the country, especially the northern region.

“We are all vulnerable to mental health challenges due to the violence around us and the limited access to medical care. Our women and children should not be dying because healthcare is out of reach,” he stated during the recent commissioning of projects at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Kware.

He stated that the pervasive violence and inadequate access to healthcare services are taking a significant toll on the psychological well-being of Nigerians. “We appreciate the federal government’s efforts, but much more still needs to be done.

Read also: ‘Save us from this cross’: Kukah urges Tinubu to rescue Nigerians from suffering

Iziaq Salako, minister of state for health and social welfare, described the projects as part of the strategic health agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.

The commissioning marked the official unveiling of 16 completed projects at the facility, presided over by the minister, who commended the management of the hospital for their prudent use of allocated resources.

According to him, the federal government has undertaken more than 500 infrastructural upgrades across tertiary health institutions nationwide and is set to hold a national dialogue on power in the health sector to enhance energy access and sustainability in health service delivery.

Salako also revealed plans to roll out the Renewed Hope Health Connect, an initiative to provide fully-funded healthcare services to one million vulnerable Nigerians. According to him, the services will cover medical, surgical, ophthalmological and audiology care.