Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria Calls for Government-Backed Programs for Pharmacists to Enhance Mental Healthcare Services

Strategic Insights -

The Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) has announced that its 2025 Mid-Year Public Lecture will focus on the pressing issue of mental health in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for government-backed programs to train pharmacists in mental healthcare delivery. The event will feature an array of experts, including Dr. Gbonjubola Babalola Abiri, a renowned expert in mental health. The lecture aims to strengthen awareness mechanisms and promote accessible care for mental health conditions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BOF-PSN is calling for government-backed programs to train community pharmacists in mental healthcare delivery.
  • Approximately 40 million Nigerians (20% of the population) are affected by mental illness, and one in four Nigerians (over 50 million people) experience mental health issues at some point in their lives.
  • There are fewer than 250 psychiatrists in Nigeria, resulting in a ratio of one psychiatrist per million people, which is far below the World Health Organisation's recommended ratio of one psychiatrist per 10,000 people.
  • Approximately 70 percent of mental health treatment is provided through non-orthodox means, such as traditional and supernatural healers.
  • The BOF-PSN is advocating for a collective societal responsibility to address mental health, including accessible information and sustained commitment to mental health advocacy and care.
  • Dr. Gbonjubola Babalola Abiri, a renowned expert in mental health, will deliver the keynote address.
  • Speakers at the event include Dr. Lucas B. Koyejo, Commander Abubakar Liman Wali, and Pharm Veronica Modupe Okugbeni.
  • The event will also feature a welcome cocktail and a closing banquet.

Statistics:

  • 40 million Nigerians (20% of the population) are affected by mental illness.
  • One in four Nigerians (over 50 million people) experience mental health issues at some point in their lives.
  • Seven million Nigerians (3.9% of the population) had depressive disorders in 2017.
  • Four million Nigerians (2.7% of the population) had anxiety disorders in 2017.
  • There are fewer than 250 psychiatrists in Nigeria, resulting in a ratio of one psychiatrist per million people.
  • Approximately 80% of people in Nigeria with severe mental health needs are unable to obtain care due to stigma, negative social attitudes, lack of facilities, resources, and mental health professionals.
  • Approximately 70% of mental health treatment is provided through non-orthodox means, such as traditional and supernatural healers.

Sources:

  • [Source 1: The Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN) announcement]
  • [Source 2: Interview with Pharm. Uchenna Uzoma Apakama, Chairman of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN)]
  • [Source 3: Interview with Pharm. Damian Izuka, General Secretary of the Board of Fellows of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (BOF-PSN)]