Table 2 Opportunities and threats within the Nigerian Context
From: Sustainable financing mechanisms for strengthening mental health systems in Nigeria
Opportunities | Threats |
|---|---|
Health system factors | Health system factors |
A new mental health bill is before the National Assembly Implementation of task-shifting and integration of mental health into primary care with training of primary health care providers on mental health using the mental health gap action programme intervention guide (mhGAP-IG) is increasingly becoming acceptable across the country The adoption of the mhGAP Implementation Plan by the National Council of Health in 2013 for the scaling up of mental health service in the country Implementation of health insurance schemes; and pilot studies of VCHIS have demonstrated promising results, which can improve access to MH services Projects funded by EU and other donor agencies are providing new evidence and models for scaling up mental health care services in Nigeria | Health insurance for the informal sector workers is yet to begin Spill-over effects of internal crises (insurgency) on the health sector with resultant displacement of larger populations |
Economic factors | Economic factors |
High projected economic growth Tax revenue expected to improve Massive investment in the power sector to boost generation capacity and productivity | Fall in international oil price Budget deficit and negative current account balance High levels of poverty, unemployment, adult illiteracy, and population growth Economic Recession in Nigeria from second quarter of 2016 |
Political factors | Political factors |
Encouraging policy environment for health New UN resolution on NCDs, including the SDGs which include specific targets for mental health New health sector policies/plans focus on strengthening primary care and sustainable health financing Determination to fight corruption by the government | Insurgency and political tension and power struggles Low scores on polity, stability, and corruption indexes; instability of neighbouring countries Neglect of Mental Health in the 2014 National Health Act and the delay in passing the National Mental Health Bill by the National Assembly |