Stakeholders call for end to stigma against persons with psychosocial disabilities

Stakeholders in the mental health sector have renewed calls for increased awareness, strengthened support systems and the elimination of stigma faced by persons living with psychosocial disabilities. 

They made the call at a research engagement meeting held in Ibadan, where mental health experts, caregivers, community groups, policy makers, traditional leaders and government representatives among others gathered to deepen public understanding of psychosocial disorders and promote more inclusive approaches to care.

The event, a close out session for a research and intervention effort also provided an atmosphere of gratitude as beneficiaries of the Support Comprehensive Care and Empowerment for Persons Living with Psychosocial Disability in Sub-Saharan Africa (SUCCEED Africa intervention) to reflect on the impact of the project in supporting people with psychosocial disabilities.

Peer researcher with the SUCCEED Project, Bisola Oladele, said the project, implemented in four African countries, supported up to 65 participants in Oyo state through livelihood tools, empowerment and community-based rehabilitation. 

She noted that many beneficiaries who once depended on others or begged for survival are now working and able to fend for themselves.

Oladele explained that psychosocial disabilities encompass conditions that affect mental health, influencing how individuals think, feel and interact with others, noting that although millions silently struggle with these challenges, living with a psychosocial disability does not equate to a life without hope. 

She said the initiative is being implemented across four African countries: Sierra Leone, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Nigeria, with oversight from its headquarters in London, United Kingdom.

She explained that the Nigeria chapter of the SUCCEED Project focuses on developing a community-based rehabilitation model, designed to empower individuals living with psychosocial disabilities to regain stability, independence and dignity. 

According to her, the model strengthens family and community support structures, improves access to care and promotes reintegration rather than isolation. 

As the intervention winds down in Nigeria, Oladele emphasized the importance of sustaining public engagement and awareness to ensure that the impact of the project continues beyond its official lifespan.

Also speaking, Project supervisor, Dr Tolulope Orotoye, explained that the initiative is driven by a collaboration between SUCCEED Africa, which leads the research, and ASIDO Foundation, the implementing partner responsible for community recruitment and support delivery. 

She said although the project is winding down, continuity is assured through trained PHC workers, community stakeholders and peer leaders who will maintain home visits, peer meetings and basic care.

Dr. Orotoye who described psychosocial disability as a widespread but poorly understood health challenge affecting millions across Nigeria, disclosed that one in four Nigerians experiences a mental health concern in their lifetime, making it critical to prioritize awareness, access to care and early intervention. 

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She maintained that the organisation and it’s partners remain committed to promoting mental health, strengthening community engagement and advocating for better support for affected persons.

Lauding the initiative and its sustainability plan, the Mental health Coordinator, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Mrs Abodunrin Kehinde said the SUCCEED Africa project implementation will still be making impact even after the end of the project, noting that policy makers at the PHCB will continue to provide drugs, at affordable rate without any stock-out. 

She also assures that the skilled staffs that have been trained in taking care of the patients will have regular training to update their skills and knowledge so as to be able to continually provide service for the patients unhindered.

A beneficiary, Mrs Modinat Oyedele, thanked both SUCCEED Africa and ASIDO Foundation for the support, saying the empowerment tools and business funding provided have helped participants gain stability and community acceptance.

Highpoint of the event was the panel discussions which focused on practical strategies for improving community awareness, reducing stigma, enhancing access to care and promoting inclusion for persons living with psychosocial disabilities. 

Participants were encouraged to serve as mental health ambassadors within their communities by offering empathy, sharing accurate information and discouraging discrimination.

The session concluded that addressing psychosocial disorders requires a holistic and individualized approach, combining psychological care, medical treatment, community support, social inclusion and economic empowerment. 

They also emphasized that each patient’s experience is unique and must be approached with compassion, professionalism and tailored interventions. 

The meeting ended with a collective commitment to continue advocacy efforts and ensure that people with psychosocial disabilities receive the dignity, support and opportunities they deserve.