An international non-governmental organization, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, has urged stakeholders in the mental health sector to provide necessary support towards the passage of the Mental Health Act into law.
It said this would help eliminate barriers and discrimination against persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities in the country.
Ekaete Umoh, Country Director, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, made the call Friday in Abuja at the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of quality rights E-Training platform organized by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The Mental health quality rights E-Training is a programme initiated by the WHO to train global citizens on how to protect and create awareness on preserving the rights of persons with mental health conditions.
While commending the present administration for signing the National Mental Health Bill, Umoh said the Act will ensure the social inclusion of persons with mental health conditions and protect their fundamental human rights.
“We call on all state and non-state actors to drive the implementation of the act for the elimination of barriers and discrimination against persons with mental health and psychosocial disabilities in Nigeria.
“We remain committed to working with the Federal Ministry of Health and the WHO and other critical stakeholders in mental health to promote mental health in Nigeria.
“We thank the World Health Organization for this initiative to bridging the knowledge gaps in promoting the rights of persons with mental health and psychosocial disabilities in Nigeria,” she said.
National coordinator, Mental health programme in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Ojo Tunde, said the Bill when signed into law, would empower the government and other stakeholders to provide quality mental health services.
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