Universal Health Coverage and Healthy Living in South-East Nigeria: How Far with Mental Health?

Abstract

Background: Universal health coverage implies access to key promoting, preventive, curative, and rehabilitative health interventions for all at an affordable cost, thereby achieving equity in access and service. The mentally-ill belongs to a vulnerable group that has not been given adequate attention especially in the south-eastern part of Nigeria. In September 2015, a health summit was organized in Enugu, South-East Nigeria with the sole aim of strategizing towards achieving universal health coverage in the zone. From all indications, much of the efforts being made towards achieving universal health coverage in the zone are geared towards physical conditions with mental disorders being grossly neglected. Purpose: This position paper briefly highlights the burden of mental disorders in South-East Nigeria; brings to fore the numerous challenges/barriers to effective mental health service delivery in the area; and calls for a positive change before a meaningful health coverage can be achieved in the zone (and by extension in the country). Findings: The burden of mental disorders in south-east Nigeria is heavy. Enormous barriers to mental health services in the area range from ignorance and stigmatization to self-marginalization by the unwillingness of many concerned leaders or hospital chief executives in the area to appreciate mental health and employ or increase the number of mental health professionals. Recommendations: All the stakeholders, from policy makers to consumers should wake up, recognize mental health as an indispensable part of health and take urgent and necessary measures that would ensure the promotion of mental health, prevention and treatment of mental disorders, and appropriate rehabilitation of those with mental illnesses in the zone.