Nigeria is expanding mental and neurological health services through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). Learn how this reform will improve access, reduce stigma, and bring hope to millions.
Mental and neurological illnesses affect many Nigerians today, but unfortunately, care for these conditions has not been widely available in most parts of the country. To address this critical gap, the Federal Government is actively implementing new reforms to expand these vital services.
These reforms are aimed at improving access to mental and brain health care, reducing the shame often attached to these problems, and making sure more people can get treated in their communities.
This article explains everything you need to know about these new reforms and why they are important for the health of Nigerians.
What Are Mental and Neurological Health Services?
Mental health refers to how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Some examples of mental health conditions include:
DepressionAnxiety disorders
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Neurological health focuses on the brain and nervous system. Some common conditions in this area include:
EpilepsyStroke
Parkinson’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease
These conditions can make it difficult for someone to live a normal life. They may struggle with memory, movement, emotions, or even communication. Sadly, many people in Nigeria live with these conditions without getting the proper help.
What Is the Problem in Nigeria?
In Nigeria, millions of people suffer from mental and neurological conditions. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 1 in 5 Nigerians will face a mental health issue in their lifetime. However, only a few health centres offer the services needed to treat them.
Some of the main challenges include:
- Lack of trained mental health workers
- Few health centres offering treatment
- Stigma and shame that stop people from speaking up or going to hospital
- Wrong beliefs that mental illness is caused by evil spirits or curses
As a result, many people continue to suffer in silence, and their conditions often become worse over time.
What Are the New Reforms?
To solve these problems, the Nigerian government is now adding mental and neurological health services to the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF).
This means that services for these health problems will now be part of the basic care available at primary healthcare centres across Nigeria. In simple terms, people will be able to walk into nearby health centres and receive support for mental and brain-related illnesses just like they do for malaria or childbirth.
What Will the BHCPF Do?
The new plan will help in several ways:
Training health workers to identify and manage mental and neurological problemsSupplying medicines for conditions like depression, epilepsy, and anxiety
Providing counselling services at the local level
Making referrals to specialists for severe or complex cases
Running awareness campaigns to fight stigma and inform the public
This means that instead of travelling long distances or keeping quiet due to shame, patients can now access care in their communities.
How Will Access Improve?
With these reforms in place, every part of Nigeria is expected to benefit. More local health centres will offer:
Early screening for mental and neurological conditionBasic treatment and continuous care
Support groups and community counselling
Follow-up services to check on patients’ recovery
For example, someone in a rural area suffering from depression will no longer need to go to a big city for care. The nearby health worker will now be trained to help, provide medicine, and offer emotional support.
This makes it easier, safer, and cheaper for people to get the help they need on time.
Tackling Stigma Through Awareness
Another key part of this reform is fighting the stigma attached to mental illness. Many Nigerians are afraid to talk about their mental health because they fear being mocked or rejected.
To change this, the government and its partners are running public campaigns to educate people. These campaigns will:
Teach people that mental illness is a medical condition, not a curseEncourage families to support loved ones with these issues
Promote early treatment and regular care
Show real-life recovery stories to inspire hope
When people understand that mental illness is common and treatable, they are more likely to seek help.
Partners and Government Commitment
The Ministry of Health is leading this work in partnership with local and international organisations. These include:
World Health Organization (WHO)United Nations agencies
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs)
These groups are helping by providing training, medical supplies, community education, and technical advice. The government has also increased funding for mental health in the national budget to make sure the programme succeeds.
How Will This Reform Help Nigerians?
This new reform can bring positive changes for individuals, families, and the country at large. The benefits include:
Better health and well-being for millions of peopleLess stress on families who often carry the burden of untreated illnesses
Improved productivity as people are healthy enough to work and live fully
Reduced crime and social problems linked to untreated mental conditions
With proper care, people with mental or neurological conditions can live healthy, successful lives.
How You Can Help
You can play a part in building a mentally healthy Nigeria. Here’s how:
Speak positively about mental health and stop negative jokes or beliefsEncourage others to seek help early
Support awareness campaigns in your area
Volunteer or donate to mental health support groups
Learn more and share correct information with others
Even small actions can make a big difference in changing minds and saving lives.
Simple Tips to Keep Your Brain and Mind Healthy
Here are some daily tips to protect your mental and brain health:
- Talk to someone when you feel worried or sad
- Rest well and sleep for at least 7 hours each night
- Eat healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and fish
- Avoid drugs, smoking, and excess alcohol
- Exercise at least 3 times a week
- Take breaks when you feel stressed
- Visit a clinic if you notice changes in your mood or thinking
The Nigerian government's decision to include mental and neurological health in the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund is a bold and welcome step. It shows that mental health is finally being treated as an important part of overall health.
With better access, stronger awareness, and proper support, Nigerians will be able to live better, happier, and mentally stronger lives. Let us all support this reform and help create a country where mental health is not hidden but treated, respected, and protected.
Sources: World Health Organization (WHO). Nigeria Federal Ministry of Health. BHCPF Official Page