By Lucky Isibor
The Inosezilo Family Foundation (IFF) formaly known as Society for Awareness and Family Initiative (SAFI) is collaborating with the Centre for Gender Studies, University of Benin and 16 other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to tackle the issue of mental health in Edo State.
The Executive Director of IFF, the anchor organisation coordinating other CSOs, Abraham Obode pointed out that the first task the coalition has set for itself is the formulation of a mental health policy for Edo State which he added will kick-start with a survey tagged “The mental health awareness survey”, which has been designed and is trending online for completion by Edo residents.
Obode stated this during an advocacy visit to Edo State Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Lubairu Dada Abubakar, noting that the survey is targeting at least 5000 respondents across the 18 Local Government Areas LGAs, with a minimum of 278 respondents from each of the LGAs adding that the survey is open for the next three weeks and pointed out that all the responses will be treated anonymously and will be used only for research purposes.
While assuring that the questionnaire meets international best practice in the design and administration of questionnaire, Obode disclosed that mental health experts reviewed the survey, and the Ministry of Health gave ethical clearance.
The coalition committed to sharing findings of the survey with the Ministries involved for feedback before final collation and publication
Also speaking during the visit, a member of the health survey team, Mrs. Daisy Abiola requested the assistance of the Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs in reaching the newly inaugurated Youth Council across the eighteen LGAs of the state.
Also speaking, another member of the mental health survey team, Miss Victoria Ero who noted that men hardly report issues of abuse or mental health cases, emphasised the imperative of capturing data from the male folk.
Responding, the Commissioner for Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Hon. Lubairu Dada Abubakar expressed the support of the ministry for the initiative. While urging the coalition to carry the ministry along, the Commissioner urged the team to provide hard copies of the link to the survey.
High point of the advocacy visit was the presentation of hard copies of the survey link and target audience to the Honourable Commissioner – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfcpaFizZeRYCrPWvqdrzFRDZ_muQXNBsVR3bHvQnrFcAE9_g/viewform2
Speaking with newsmen after the visit, the team lead, Obode pointed out that some individuals erroneously think that the survey is for those with severe cases of mental health noting that it is not so.
“We understand that some individuals may think the survey is only for those with severe mental health issues, but that’s not the case.
“We want to know about the mental health experiences of everyone in Edo State, regardless of whether they have a mental health condition or not.
“We aim to understand how people perceive mental health issues and how stigma affects those who may be struggling.
“The survey will help us develop effective advocacy and support initiatives that benefit everyone, not just those with mental health conditions.
“By participating, you’ll contribute to raising awareness about mental health and help create a more supportive environment for everyone.”
The mental health awareness survey aimed at understanding the prevalence of mental health issues in Edo State, identify perceptions and stigma surrounding mental health and strategies for informed advocacy, awareness, and support initiatives.
The other CSOs collaborating with IFF are Take A Cue Initiative, Society for the Empowerment of Young Persons (SEYP), FIDA Edo State Chapter,Genius Hub
Echoes of Women in Africa, Caring Heart Initiative, Initiative for Policy Intervention and Development and CLEEN Foundation. Others are Idia Renaissance, Smiles Africa International Youth Development Initiative, Ministry of Social Development and Gender Issues (MSDGI), Ministry of Youth and Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Health, Joint National Association of Persons with Disability, Josémaria Escriva Foundation and SOTHAWACA.
Medical experts collaborating with IFF in this project are Dr. Israel Aina (Mental Health Expert, UBTH, Dr. Williams Eriyo (Mental Health Expert, Head of Dept of Behavioural Medicine and Mental Health, Irrua Teaching Hospital)