According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), as of 2017, 792 million people globally report being impaired by mental health challenges. Those living in poorer communities and experiencing the struggles of poverty- financial stress, malnutrition, violence, trauma, physical health issues, etc. tend to experience a heightened rate of mental health struggles. Amaudo Itumbauzo began in 1989 as a response to the individuals in impoverished areas of Nigeria struggling with mental health issues.

Particularly in Nigeria and other low- to middle-class countries, there is an 80% treatment gap for those with mental illness. Only 20% of those struggling have received any treatment or care for their disorders. However, during the past nearly 40 years, Amaudo has grown and expanded to include many different projects and facilities (as listed below) for providing support to individuals struggling with mental health issues in Nigeria.

Amaudo Okopedi

Amaudo Okopedi (Amaudo One) is a rehabilitation facility accommodating up to 60 residents with 25 staff members. Coupled with poverty often comes homelessness. Within this community, residents coexist with each other and staff members, engaging in rehabilitation activities such as work, socializing, dining and receiving care simultaneously. In 2022, Amaudo hosted 40 residents at Amaudo Okopedi, with 20 individuals deemed eligible for discharge by December of the same year.

Amaudo Ntalakwu

Amaudo Ntalakwu, also known as Amaudo Two, functions as a facility that offers extended care for individuals with learning disabilities, those unable to reunite with their families and those requiring more intricate care. This facility provides prolonged treatment, education and flexibility to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. This facility is structured as a community with lots of smaller homes. In 2022, the organization housed 22 individuals, with 11 staff members supporting them.

Project Comfort

Project Comfort provides support to children with learning disabilities and other mental illnesses. This project employs fieldworkers who help train families and teachers to help provide care to students and children. In the year 2022, Project Comfort provided assistance to more than 95 students, offering a range of support services, including health care, counseling and help with school registration.

Community Mental Health Programme

The Amaudo Community Mental Health Programme (CMHP) has now grown to more than 70 clinics across four states in Nigeria. The program collaborates with the state government and other stakeholders to deliver easily accessible and affordable care to more than 5,000 individuals. The program also provides hundreds of placements annually to student nurses from across these states. Furthermore, it also “raises awareness, promotes good mental health and supports a growing network of Self Help Groups.”

Conclusion

Mental health is extremely important and it is crucial for our society to deepen its understanding of the consequences and risks associated with untreated mental health issues. The ongoing efforts of organizations like Amaudo are vital in sustaining treatments and programs that cater to the needs of those grappling with mental health challenges.

– Sophia Lovell
Photo: Pixabay