By; NICHOLAS DEKERA, Kaduna
As the world marks World Mental Health Day, the Federal Neuro Psychiatrist Hospital (FNPH), Barnawa Kaduna on Wednesday, charged traditional leaders to champion advocacy for mental health in their communities.
Medical Director of the Federal Neuro Psychiatrist Hospital Barnawa, Professor Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u said, “without mental health, there is no health. There is a lot of challenges in the mental health across the world and one key way out is the traditional rulers. They must rise to lead advocacy at the rural or community level, to ensure the bulk of the population in different communities, are sensitized.”
According to Professor Aishatu Yusha’u Armiya’u, “Drug Abuse is one key challenge and emotions must be taken care of. Mental health must be brought to the front burner. Mental Health must be taken very seriously like malaria.”
She maintained that the staff of the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital Barnawa work as a team, have respect for patients, respect for colleagues and value for integrity.
Also speaking, the representative of the Kaduna State Commissioner of Health, Director for Hospital Services, Dr. Gajere Gyawija Jonathan said mental healthcare is a serious matter and that informed the establishment of so many agencies like KADBUSA among others by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
He said terrorism, economic hardship and new drugs and substances have led to rising mental health challenges.
