Across the world, millions experience psychological distress triggered by wars, natural disasters, economic instability, and displacement. During such times, emotional wounds often go unseen, and mental health services become even harder to access. Yet, mental health is not a luxury — it is a fundamental part of human wellbeing and recovery.

At PAMHI Foundation, we recognise that in the wake of catastrophe, the right care at the right time can make all the difference. Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between need and access, ensuring that individuals — regardless of their background or circumstance — can receive the mental health support they deserve.

PAMHI Foundation and Oyo State Ministry of Health: A Collaborative Step Forward

This year, we proudly collaborated with the Oyo State Ministry of Health for the state’s inaugural celebration of World Mental Health Day — a historic milestone in promoting mental wellness in our community.

To commemorate the day, our team joined other stakeholders, mental health advocates, and community members in a city-wide awareness march across Ibadan, spreading the message that mental health care should be accessible to everyone, everywhere. The energy, unity, and passion that filled the streets of Ibadan reflected a shared commitment to destigmatise mental illness and encourage help-seeking behaviour.

Expanding Access Through Tiered Mental Health Services

As part of the New World Health Group, PAMHI Foundation remains deeply committed to promoting accessible and affordable mental health care. One of the ways we make this possible is through our tiered facility access system — a model that ensures individuals, irrespective of their socioeconomic status, can find a level of care that fits their needs and resources.

From community-based counselling and rehabilitation to specialised psychiatric and substance use treatment, we believe that no one should be left behind in the pursuit of wellness.

Looking Ahead

The theme of this year’s celebration challenges us all — government bodies, private institutions, and individuals — to strengthen systems that prioritise mental health in both everyday life and emergencies. At PAMHI Foundation, we reaffirm our commitment to compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable mental health advocacy in Oyo State and beyond.

Because mental health care is not a privilege — it’s a right.

The Burden of Smoking in Nigeria 

The health risks of smoking are well documented, with strong links to chronic diseases such as lung cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and respiratory disorders. Additionally, research has shown that smoking is associated with mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety, making it a significant public health concern. Nigeria faces a unique challenge with the rise of smoking in open spaces such as motor parks and roadside joints. These locations serve as social hubs where smoking is normalized, exposing both smokers and non-smokers to harmful second-hand smoke. Given the increasing prevalence of outdoor smoking, it is crucial to address tobacco dependence through targeted interventions that encourage smokers to quit. 

Challenges in Smoking Cessation 

Quitting smoking is not an easy task. Many smokers struggle with nicotine dependence and require sustained support to overcome their addiction. However, in Nigeria, access to smoking cessation services remains limited. Factors hindering effective cessation efforts include: 

• Limited awareness: Many smokers are unaware of the health risks of smoking or the benefits of quitting.
• Inadequate support systems: There is a lack of structured cessation programs, counselling services, and helplines.
• Cost barriers: Nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) and prescription medications that aid quitting are expensive and largely inaccessible to low-income smokers.
• Cultural acceptance of smoking: Smoking, especially in social settings, is often accepted, making it harder for individuals to quit due to peer influence.

The Need for Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Programs 

To combat smoking effectively, Nigeria must adopt a multi-faceted approach to smoking cessation. Key recommendations include: 

1. Public Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide education programs should be implemented to inform the public about the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting. Mass media, including radio, television, and social media, should be utilized to reach a broader audience.
2. Accessible Cessation Services: The government should establish free or low-cost smoking cessation programs, including helplines, counselling centres, and nicotine replacement therapy access in public health facilities.
3. Workplace and Community Interventions: Employers and community leaders should be encouraged to implement smoking cessation initiatives within their organizations and neighbourhoods. This can include offering support groups and incentives for individuals who quit smoking.
4. Policy and Regulation Enforcement: The enforcement of smoke-free laws in public spaces should be strengthened to discourage smoking in social joints. Additionally, higher taxes on tobacco products can serve as a deterrent while generating revenue for cessation programs.
5. Integration into Primary Healthcare: Smoking cessation services should be integrated into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system, ensuring that healthcare professionals are trained to provide counselling and treatment options to smokers looking to quit.

Conclusion 

Smoking cessation is an urgent public health priority in Nigeria. Without immediate intervention, the country will continue to bear the health and economic costs of tobacco use. The government, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations must collaborate to establish sustainable and effective smoking cessation programs. By investing in comprehensive cessation initiatives, Nigeria can save lives, reduce healthcare costs, and improve the overall well-being of its population. The time to act is now.

Building a Culture of Care

Employers can make a significant difference by adopting a proactive approach to mental health:

1. Prioritise Mental Health Policies: Develop policies that address mental health issues, from prevention to intervention.
2. Destigmatise Mental Health Discussions: Create safe spaces for open dialogue about mental health challenges.
3. Provide Access to Support: Ensure employees have access to professional mental health services and peer support groups.
4. Promote Self-Care and Stress Management: Encourage employees to engage in activities that reduce stress and promote well-being.

As we commemorate this year’s World Mental Health Day, let us take action to prioritise mental health in our workplaces. PAMHI Foundation calls on all employers, employees, and stakeholders to work together to create mentally healthy workspaces where everyone can reach their full potential. Together, we can build workplaces that are not just productive but also places where mental health is nurtured and celebrated.

Secondhand smoke contains more than 7,000 chemicals, hundreds of which are toxic and about 70 that can cause cancer. The exposure to these harmful substances is not confined to indoor environments but is also a significant health hazard in outdoor settings. Public places such as parks, playgrounds, public transport stations, and outdoor sections of restaurants can become sources of involuntary exposure to secondhand smoke. This exposure can lead to serious respiratory problems, cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues in non-smokers.

Furthermore, smoking in outdoor public spaces contributes to environmental degradation. Cigarette butts, which are among the most littered items globally, contain plastic filters and can take up to 10 years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals into the soil and waterways. This form of pollution is not only a visual eyesore but also a substantial environmental threat. Advocates are therefore calling for regulations that would restrict smoking in outdoor public areas to reduce both health risks and environmental harm.

Steps Towards Implementation

The establishment of smoke-free outdoor spaces in Nigeria requires strategic planning and robust policy-making. The first step involves raising public awareness about the risks associated with outdoor smoking both to smokers and the nonsmoking public. Educational campaigns can leverage media, workshops, and public seminars to spread information and garner community support for smoke-free laws.

The second step is legislative action. Policymakers need to draft and enforce laws that prohibit smoking in outdoor public spaces. This entails defining specific areas where smoking would be banned, establishing penalties for violations, and ensuring effective enforcement mechanisms are in place. Countries like South Africa and Uganda have implemented similar bans, serving as possible models for Nigeria.

Promoting Public buy-in

For such policies to be effective, they must have the backing of the populace. Therefore, public buy-in is crucial. Stakeholders, including community leaders, health professionals, environmental advocates, and the general public, should be involved in the conversation and policymaking process. Their input and endorsement can assist in overcoming resistance and ensuring the community respects and adheres to the new regulations.

Economic and Social Benefits

Creating smoke-free environments is not just about improving public health; it also has significant economic and social benefits. Healthier citizens mean a decrease in medical costs associated with treating diseases caused by secondhand smoke. Moreover, cleaner public spaces enhance the aesthetic appeal of cities, potentially boosting tourism and local businesses.

The advancement towards smoke-free outdoor areas in Nigeria represents a critical step in enhancing public health and environmental quality. With the right strategies and community engagement, Nigeria can join other nations in creating a healthier, smoke-free future, reflective of global best practices in public health and environmental conservation.

In a world often fixated on physical health, we mustn't forget that mental well-being is equally crucial. It molds our thoughts, emotions, and actions, shaping our daily existence and interactions. Like the right to clean air, safe food, and education, the right to good mental health is an integral part of our existence.

Regrettably, the shadow of stigma and discrimination still looms over mental health in many societies. This inhibits individuals from seeking the help they rightfully need and deserve. This World Mental Health Day, let's confront these prejudices and cultivate an atmosphere characterized by understanding, empathy, and universal support.

Mental health transcends all boundaries, affecting people of all ages, genders, races, and socioeconomic statuses. It is not a mark of weakness but a fundamental facet of the human experience. Our duty is to ensure that mental health services and resources remain accessible to all, regardless of their circumstances. Universal access to mental health care must be a cornerstone of our commitment to human rights.

As we reflect on this year's theme for World Mental Health Day, "Mental Health is a Universal Human Right," it's imperative to acknowledge that societal inequalities can deeply impact mental health. Poverty, discrimination, and limited access to education and healthcare all contribute to disparities in mental health. To genuinely uphold mental health as a universal human right, we must tirelessly strive for a more equitable world, where every individual has an equal opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally.

Let us fervently champion mental health awareness, education, and support systems, ensuring they reach every corner of our global community. In doing so, we not only honor our shared humanity but also take a momentous step towards constructing a healthier, more compassionate world for all. Mental health is indeed a universal human right, one that warrants our ceaseless dedication, today and every day.

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