Kaduna State Government has decentralised the provision of mental health services and can now be accessed at Primary Health Care (PHC) centres across the state.
Dr Joseph Ike, the Director-General of Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA), made this known on Monday in an interview with newsmen in Kaduna.
Ike said the development was in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations to address mental health gaps and the commitment of Gov. Uba Sani to take the lead in this direction as evidence in the establishment of the agency.
According to Ike, research has shown that one out of four people would have some sought of mental challenges before they die. That’s how common it is.
“We also know that one out of eight people have an active health challenge. But where the challenge really lies is 85 per cent of people who need mental health treatment do not have access to care.
“It’s really a national crisis,” Ike said.
Ike noted that by moving mental health services from psychiatric hospitals to integrate them in general hospitals and PHCs in Kaduna, it would help those with the problem detect it early for treatment as well as bringing the services closer to the people.
On drug abuse, Ike said Kaduna government has drug rehabilitation centres with connections to some PHCs.
“One of our centres has managed over 200 people since inception in 2024.
“Governor Uba Sani made it clear to us that our focus should not be on treatment but strengthening prevention for maximum results in reducing the menace.
“To do that we have centres in seven local governments. These centres focus on children and adolescents with teachings and life skills training to prevent them from the onset from drug abuse.
He said the agency would launch a programme called “Mental Health in Schools” to address and identify some of the underlying factors that lead to developing mental health and drug abuse.
The mental public health administrator also said Kaduna State has implemented a comprehensive Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) programme in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
“This revolutionary programme diverts individuals who commit non-violent, minor offenses due to a substance use disorder, away from the criminal justice system and into mandatory treatment.
“This compassionate and pragmatic approach addresses the root cause of criminal behavior, breaking the cycle of addiction and incarceration.’’
Commenting on the alarming rate of drug abuse in Nigeria, Ike said a 2018 survey showed that one out of seven people used drugs, adding that the gap between men and women is closing up.
“We know more men than women used drugs but the gap is closing between men and women.”
While noting that the issues around drugs are more common that every household in Nigeria is affected one way or the other, Ike said more disturbing was that most people with drug problems do not have access to treatment including those who want access to treatment.