By Paul Efiong, Abuja
The Global Disability Inclusion (CBM), in collaboration with University of Ibadan and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) are implementing a six-year programme in Nigeria.
The initiative is titled, “Support, Comprehensive Care and Empowerment for people with Psychosocial Disabilities (SUCCEED).
The initiative is part of deliverables programme of CBM Global, as it organised a two-day workshop between 17th and 18th March 2022 in Abuja, in support of Organizations of Persons with Psychosocial Disabilities (OPPD) on disability rights.
SUCCEED is a four-country research consortium in Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The consortium is coordinated by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the workshop, Mr Michael Njenga, CBM Global Regional Mental Health Advisor for Africa, said the objective of the workshop was to enlighten the government and Nigerians as a whole on challenges faced by OPPD group in the country.
According to him, the CBM and other institutions have determined to work in synergy to support the country in area of mental health as it had posed great challenge on those affected in the society.
“The reason for this particular workshop is to strengthen the organisations of persons with psychosocial disabilities in Nigeria because persons with psychosocial disabilities and mental health conditions are underrepresented groups. “
In order to curb the challenge in the society, Njenga advised the relevant authorities in health sector and the governments to put measures on ground to protect the victims of psychological illness in Nigeria.
“Instead of trying to discriminate against these persons, government should rather, build the capacity of organizations of persons with psychosocial disabilities and work with them to ensure that they are meaningfully engaged in government processes.
“In addition, government should also ensure their full and effective participation and inclusion in the society. “
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