Table 1 Strengths and weaknesses of the Nigerian Context
From: Sustainable financing mechanisms for strengthening mental health systems in Nigeria
Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|
Health system factors | Health system factors |
Rigorous health sector reforms process Increasing State/regional awareness about Mental Health and the need to attend to it Health and social services are a priority for government | Inadequate access to formal health care services Reduced utilization due to pervasive stigma Inadequate numbers of mental health professionals |
Economic factors | Economic factors |
Likelihood of economic growth and recovery from recession More accountability due to government’s war against corruption Increasing Foreign Direct Investment due to the country’s political stability and increasing positive reputation internationally Health insurance schemes have commenced and efforts are being made to cover the vulnerable | Mono-culture economy (oil-driven) Majority of mental health financing goes to mental hospitals Proportion of government budget for health sector still below the Abuja declaration target of 15% Households are the main sources of funding for care of persons with mental disorders (OPP) Increasing recurrent expenditures compared to capital expenditures |
Political factors | Political factors |
The adoption of the revised mental health policy by National Council of Health in 2013 Increasing recognition and political support for Psycho-social interventions in the rebuilding of the north-east region Establishment of National Desk Office for Mental Health and, increasingly, at regional levels too Formation of the National Action Committee on Mental Health; which is a ministerial expert advisory body on mental health matters | Endemic corruption Bureaucratic bottlenecks and the slow pace of getting things done |