WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2024: Lions Advocate The Creation Of Flexible Support System For Mental Health Patients, Safe Working Environment For The Health Workers

…As AKSG pledges continued support

…CMD, UUTH Promises more robust working environment

By Saviour Ekpe

The 2024 World Mental Health Day was celebrated in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital amidst pomp and pageantry with who is who in the health sector in attendance.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Augustine Umoh congratulated the District Governor, Sir Maurice Ibok and all Lions for successful hosting of the 2024 World Mental Health Day. He congratulated them for a job well done and for adding value to health care delivery in Akwa Ibom State through the World Mental Health Day Activities.

The Commissioner who explained some of the health interventions of the present Governor led by Pastor Umo Eno said that healthcare is one of the major priorities of the present administration, and called on the people of the state to take advantage of them and support the governor to do more for the people.

In his address, the district Governor of Lions Club International, District 404 A2 Nigeria, Lion Sir Maurice Ibok PhD, PMJF, NLCF advocated for, “the creation of flexible support system for mental health patients, safe working environment for the health workers and promotion of a balance between work and healthy living especially when faced with the current brain drain in the health sector and the consequent overworking of those left behind. Frequent checking on one another, providing financial assistance where needed in this current economic challenges can go a long way in creating soft landing for vulnerable persons”.

Sir Ibok used the occasion to appreciate the role played by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH), Prof Emem Bassey in partnering with Lions Club for the event, “the role of leadership in this context cannot be overstated hence our sincere appreciation to the CMD of UUTH and the Department of Mental Health for this partnership. As employers, managers, colleagues, and leaders, we have a duty to create spaces where individuals can express their concerns and seek help without fear of judgment or stigma. A workplace that prioritizes mental health is a workplace that fosters open communication, empathy, and mutual support hence as Lions and leaders we are here to raise awareness concerning this monster”.

Reflecting on the Theme, It’s Time To Prioritize Mental Health In The Workplace, The District Governor noted that “mental well-being is not just a personal issue but a collective responsibility that affects the health, productivity, and overall success of any organization”.

Explaining why Lions’ Club prioritizing mental health, he added, “when we prioritize mental health, we create environments where employees feel safe, valued, and understood and can render services to the patients in a cordial and respectful manner. Statistics show that depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges affect millions of people globally, and many of these individuals are in our workplaces. The World Health Organization estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion each year in lost productivity. This is a staggering figure and a reminder that mental health is not just a human issue but an economic issue too”.

Relying on the international commitment of Lions Club, that ‘where there is a need there is a lion as we strive to serve a world in need’, Ibok acknowledged the rigorous work load and its attendant effect averred, “from excessive workloads to financial challenges and lack of support, coupled with a work environment which also add as a source of stress, pressure, and anxiety, many employees get stressed up and as we know these can lead to suicidal tendencies and hypertension which in turn predisposes to strokes and serious economic and family challenges”.

Declaring the event open, the CMD of UUTH, Prof Emem Bassey welcomed Lions, guests and members of the UUTH community for celebrating the 2024 World Mental Health Day in the hospital.

Represented by Dr Clement Inyang, the CMD pledged his continued partnership with Lions club whenever his attention is called upon and to continue to create a good ambience for health workers including mental health patients who are within the UUTH.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman on the occasion, the Akwa Ibom State Chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, Dr Aniekan Peter thanked the organisers for inviting him to chair the occasion. He eulogized Lions Club International for always being on the vanguard of advocating for good health of citizens and empowering the vulnerable people in the society. He called on the government of all levels to take the matter of health seriously as this according to him will ensure a healthy society.

The event coincided with World Food Day with the theme, “Feeding The Hungry”. As part of the activities to mark World Mental Health Day, the District Committee on Mental Health carried out the Feeding the Hungry Project in UUTH with Clubs in Region 8 on Thursday 10th October 2024, as the Committee Chairperson, PRC Dr Ibiok Usendiah NLCF presented packaged food and other gift items to patients in UUTH.

The event Featured drama on the theme, ‘in action’; Mental Health Advocacy Road walk during the World Mental Health Day in UUTH Uyo among others.