NIMEHSAAN

About the Summit

The Nigeria Mental Health & Substance Abuse Awareness Summit 2025 is a premier event addressing the growing mental health crisis in Nigeria. With an estimated 40 million Nigerians aected by mental illness, this summit seeks to raise awareness, drive policy discussions, and foster collaboration among key stakeholders.

Our Mission

● Raise Awareness – Educate individuals and organizations on mental health challenges.
● Foster Collaboration – Bring together professionals, policymakers, and organizations to drive change.
● Improve Access – Advocate for better mental health services and integration into primary healthcare.

About Prediagnosis International (PDI)

Prediagnosis International (PDI) is a grassroots initiative dedicated to expanding access to quality mental health services in Nigeria. Founded by Dr. Elliott Scott Omose, PDI collaborates with mental health professionals, corporate organizations, and healthcare providers to improve access to care and support services for Nigerians.

Mental well-being Substance misuse High Crisis magnitude Mental health burden Anxiety and Depression

Mental Illness and its spread

Some of Nigeria's most prevalent mental illnesses include depression and anxiety disorders. In 2017, about 7 million Nigerians (3.9% of the population) had depressive disorders, and 4.9 million Nigerians (2.7%) had anxiety disorders. On top of this, substance abuse disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders are common in Nigeria.

The effect of these mental illnesses is quite significant with real-life impact on the population. Beyond the individual, businessmen/women, civil servants, factory workers, teachers, healthcare workers and even bankers are all affected. Studies have found that psychological distress and burnout are prevalent among healthcare workers and primary school teachers, with almost 70% of teachers experiencing psychological distress. Additionally, corruption and unethical behavior in the banking industry has been linked with the psychological health of bankers and this is detrimental to banks' overall performance and growth.

The burden of illness related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related disorders is also significant, particularly among individuals who have experienced conflict, violence, or natural disasters. Health and social workers' burnout, suicidal episodes, communal violence and insecurity have all been reported to lead to mental health challenges.

We aim to help the most affected nationwide

Despite Nigeria's huge mental health burden, the country faces severe challenges in addressing the problems. Acute shortage of mental health professionals including psychologists due to brain drain et al, shortage and poor state of mental health facilities, limited funding and poor remuneration of mental health workers, cultural/religious barriers and stigma surrounding mental health, late detection of mental health issues etc are some of the challenges associated with mental health of Nigerians.

Mental health is neglected in Nigeria.
Nigeria is severely affected by a mental health crisis.
Mental health is constantly evolving.

Nigeria's mental health care system requires urgent improvement. The private sector including employers, healthcare providers, and the government should collaborate to integrate mental health care into primary healthcare, establish more mental health training institutions, increase awareness and increase funding for mental health services. With the current macroeconomic and political pressures and the impact of natural and man-made challenges on the workforce and population, prioritizing the mental health of Nigerians has never been more critical. These solutions are necessary for a healthy population and must be made a reality.

Project information

Category: Health and Welness
From: Prediagnosis International
Project date: 01, August 2024
Home URL: prediagnosis.org

Bridge the gap

In the private sector, organizations like ours are trying to bridge the gap in access and provision of mental health services in Nigeria. Prediagnosis International, PDI is a grassroot intervention initiative that provides access to quality, on-demand healthcare solutions and support for Nigerians. Inspired by the vision of our founder, Dr. Elliott Scott Omose, we are actively exploring partnerships with mental health professionals, corporate organizations, academia etc to expand the care network and integrate their services with health providers, managers and employers to improve access to mental health services for their staff/members.

You are invited

Attend the inaugural Nigerian Mental Health and Substance Abuse Summit 2025 to update your knowledge, meet like-minded people interested in research related to mental health, listen and share ideas on the latest advancements in the field of mental health. This summit is a great platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, and industry experts who specialize in psychiatry, psychology and mental health. Engage in panel discussions on stress, anxiety and depression, panic attacks, neuroscience and neuropsychiatry, rehabilitation, self-harm, suicide etc.

By providing a common space for discussions and insight sharing, this summit aims to develop effective strategies to understand the needs of the mentally disturbed including those who are vulnerably exposed to the risks and dangers of mentally challenged people. With a focus on action and innovation, the Nigeria Mental Health and Substance Abuse summit blends international insights with inspirational content. We recognize the demanding nature of working in mental health. With plenty of time to network, connect with your peers and cross breed ideas, this is your chance to reset, re-energize, and prepare for your future in the sector with renewed focus and enthusiasm. The time to act is now!!!