From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna state has warned against stigmatizing people with mental disorders, noting that it is a disease that can affect anyone.
He noted that mental health disorder is treatable but better managed when tackled early.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Drug Abuse Community Recovery Center built by the state government in Ungwan Television, Chikun Local Government on Thursday, Governor Sani said the Center is expected to cater to people suffering from drug abuse, substance abuse, and behavioral disorders at the community level, stating that three more centers are coming before the end of the year in Ungwan Kanawa, Zaria and Kafanchan.
This he said is in addition to four drug rehabilitation centers slated for Kachia, Chikun, Igabi and Ikara local governments.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Muazu AbdulKadir Mayere, said the Center, which will have the services of psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, nurses, and social workers, will provide various services such as management of withdrawal symptom professionally, drug abuse disorder, evidence-based investigation, motivational interview, and other contingency services.
“Drug abuse, substance abuse, and behavioral issues are affecting productivity and social development.
“Today makes a significant moment in the journey of Kaduna state. This is one of the achievements of the people’s governor. Our government has demonstrated visionary leadership, and we have witnessed remarkable progress in various sectors, rural reformation, investment in human capital, health, and education. This Center is not just a healthcare facility but a symbol of Governor Uba Sani prioritizing mental health to give every individual the opportunity to live a fulfilled and meaningful life without mental illness,” the Governor said through the SSG.
The Center, which has two 6-bed wards, and five 2-bed rooms, indoor sports facilities, has been described as the first in the country by the Managing Director, of Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kaduna, Dr Aishatu Armiyau. Addressing the commissioning, she said “We have been talking about getting mental health recovery centers in communities where the community owns it. With this project, Kaduna state is the only state in Nigeria with this type of facility. People with mental health at the terminal stage of their illness can use this facility, so it would lessen the number of those coming to us. That means they need extra care.”
The Permanent Secretary, of Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr Aishatu Sadiq said the Center is not just a recovery center but a referral center. “We are worried about our people who suffer the behavioral disorders. Behavioral disorder is not shameful it doesn’t mean you are weak or you are different it’s just like any other disease. Let’s not judge them, let’s not beat them, let’s not stigmatize them.”
The Executive Secretary of Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Bello Jamoh also warned against stigmatizing those who attend the Center. “This is a testimony to the SUSTAIN Agenda, especially human capital development. We have an epidemic of mental health disorders in the productive population of our society. This Center will help with recovery and rehabilitation. There shouldn’t be stigmatization for people who come here. It doesn’t mean they are using drug substances and one shouldn’t be afraid or traumatized to come here.”
The Director General, of Kaduna State Bureau for Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (KADBUSA), Dr. Joseph Ike said the Center was aimed at catering to citizens before their ailments get serious. “Over 20% of people with drug use problems complain that they don’t have access to healthcare facilities. Before the ailment gets serious, we want them to access the facility. We only have the facility available for mental health and drug abuse issues. When the issue has become serious, then they need to go into admission for a long period.”
For the Chiroman Zazzau and District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani, the Center is a replacement for Malam Niga Center as it provides a better professional facility with no risk. “This is a modern way of representing Malam Niga Center. It’s within the community and quite accessible. Instead of going to Malam Niga the parents should visit here and see what’s happening here.”
