FG Urged to Prioritise Trauma-Informed Mental Healthcare

The Federal Government has been urged to increase investment in trauma-informed mental healthcare services, as an estimated one in four Nigerians is living with a mental health condition.

The Chairman of the Medical Health Workers Union of the FCT Social Development Secretariat, Dr. Okoro Ene-Nwachinemere, made the call during an interview with Kapital FM in Abuja. He also appealed for expanded access to psychological support services across the country.
Dr. Ene-Nwachinemere described emotional trauma as a psychological response to deeply distressing or life-threatening experiences that can undermine an individual’s sense of safety, hope and humanity.

He warned that untreated emotional and psychosocial trauma could lead to long-term emotional, physical and behavioural challenges. The health expert therefore advocated increased public awareness, early intervention and improved access to quality mental health services to help affected persons live productive lives.