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Psychiatrists deplore abuses on persons with psychosocial illnesses

By Ngozi Egenuka
21 November 2019   |   3:27 am
The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has condemned all forms of human rights abuses on persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities and illnesses across the country.

Photo: PIXABAY

The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has condemned all forms of human rights abuses on persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities and illnesses across the country.

The association said this is in view of the recent event regarding the cruelty to and human rights abuses on persons with mental and psychosocial disabilities in Nigeria as published by the Human Rights Watch.

President of the association, Taiwo Lateef Sheik, who lamented lack of structured service provision, poor mental health and psychosocial facilities, as well as low number of psychiatrists in the country, said: “Human right abuses abound in our society, but of particular interest to the association are he ones directed towards people living with mental and psychosocial disabilities.

“The association appreciates all efforts towards bringing to the public attention the human right abuses of these persons in Nigeria and we condemn the act.”

The association stated that Nigeria is long overdue for a humane and compassionate mental health law, as person living with the illnesses should be considered as disadvantaged and vulnerable.

It, therefore, urged the government to declare a state of emergency on mental health and psychosocial services in Nigeria and also charged the National Assembly to make the passage of the mental health bill a priority to ameliorate the sufferings of families and people living with mental disabilities in Nigeria.

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