Nigerian psychiatrists have urged the Federal Government to increase the allocation for mental health research to 2.5 % of the national health budget, a sharp rise from the current 0.1 %.
The present funding level represents only a tiny fraction of the overall health expenditure, leaving research into mental illness and treatment options severely under-resourced.
With an estimated 10 % of the population experiencing a mental health condition, the lack of investment hampers the development of evidence‑based interventions and the training of specialists.
The call for greater funding comes amid growing calls for a stronger mental‑health system in Nigeria, including better access to care, improved public awareness, and expanded research capacity.
Psychiatrists have asked the government to act swiftly, arguing that a 2.5 % budget share would help bridge the gap between current needs and available services.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>