Advocacy and Its Role in Improving Mental Health Care: The Nigerian Context

Abstract

Worldwide persons that suffer from mental health problems continue to face considerable stigma, abuse, inequity and discrimination. This has direct implications on the kind of care, access to care, and service integration, thus further maintaining the mental health gap that exist in low and middle income countries like Nigeria. Advocacy is one of the main tools targeted at addressing the gap and achieving fairness in distribution and access to mental health. This discourse highlights mental health advocacy and the relevance in Nigeria. Mental health advocacy still remains a relevant tool in the development of mental healthcare service delivery and public enlightenment. Locally based advocacy bodies in this field are to be encouraged and collaboration between stakeholders on advocacy projects are recommended.

Key Words: Mental Health, Advocacy, Nigeria.