Kaduna:The Kaduna State Government has decentralized mental health services, making them accessible at Primary Health Care (PHC) centers throughout the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Joseph Ike, Director-General of the Kaduna State Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Agency (KADSAMHSA), announced the initiative, aligning with World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendations. This move reflects Governor Uba Sani’s commitment to addressing mental health gaps, as demonstrated by the creation of the agency.
Dr. Ike highlighted that research indicates one in four people will experience mental health challenges during their lifetime, and one in eight currently face active health challenges. A significant concern is that 85% of those requiring mental health treatment lack access to care, which he described as a national crisis.
The integration of mental health services into general hospitals and PHCs is designed to facilitate early detection and treatment, bringing care closer to those in need. Regarding drug abuse, Dr. Ike stated that the state has established drug rehabilitation centers linked to some PHCs, with one center managing over 200 individuals since 2024.
Governor Sani emphasized prevention over treatment for effective results in reducing drug abuse. To achieve this, centers in seven local governments focus on educating children and adolescents to prevent drug abuse onset.
Furthermore, KADSAMHSA plans to launch the ‘Mental Health in Schools’ program to identify factors contributing to mental health issues and drug abuse. Kaduna State also implements an Alternatives to Incarceration (ATI) program in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), diverting non-violent offenders with substance use disorders away from the criminal justice system and into treatment.
Dr. Ike expressed concern about the rising drug abuse rates in Nigeria, noting a 2018 survey that found one in seven people used drugs and that the gender gap in drug use is narrowing. He stressed the widespread impact of drug issues, with many affected individuals lacking access to necessary treatment.