At The Leprosy Mission Nigeria, we are committed to strengthening mental health services not just for persons affected by leprosy but also for persons with disabilities. To ensure inclusion and seamless provision of mental health services, The Leprosy Mission Nigeria inaugurated ‘Wellness Connect’, a toll-free Call Centre dedicated to providing psychological support and mental health referral services for individuals nationwide.
The National Director, Dr. Sunday Udo, in an address at the ceremony, said the inauguration of the center is a journey that would strengthen mental health counseling services. He further stated that the services are for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), those with leprosy, and any individual facing mental health challenges in Nigeria.
“Our commitment to providing support, inclusivity, and empowerment for these groups, often overlooked and marginalized, is unwavering. With the inauguration of this call center, we take another significant step towards ensuring that their voices are heard, concerns addressed, and mental well-being prioritized. As we all know, mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being. It is a facet of healthcare that unjustly receives less attention than it deserves globally but worst in Nigeria, especially when it comes to PWDs.
“The toll-free call center will serve as a lifeline for PWDs who are struggling with mental health challenges. It will provide a safe and confidential space for them to share their thoughts and emotions,” Dr. Udo said.
The National Director Dr. Udo further explained that the highly dedicated and trained counselors would be available within stipulated operational times to offer empathetic and professional care and support online. He stressed that TLMN recognized the connection between disability and mental health issues, adding that the Mission is going to provide services to all.
“We are grateful and indebted to SMC, Sida, Comic Relief, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and others, for their support and belief in our mission and calling.
Malam Mohammed Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Special Needs and Equal Opportunity, said that a lot of rural dwellers also suffer from mental health issues. In his opening remark, he commended the establishment of the toll-free call center, saying it represents a beacon of hope for those that are marginalized and overlooked.
“The Leprosy Mission Nigeria Wellness Connect will serve as a lifeline for those in need of self and confidential space where they can seek support without fear of judgment or prejudice,” Isah said.
TLMN Board Chairperson, Mrs. Nella Rabana, represented by Mr. Akande Wakeel, in her remark, said TLMN desires to see that PWDs and those with psychosocial and mental health illnesses can find support.
“We want them to know that, in the secret of their rooms, they could call the center and someone would answer.”
At the inauguration, the thematic lead for Mental Health projects Christine Bestman went ahead to perform a live demonstration of the call service, followed by a trial call by Mallam Mohammed Isah who tested the Hausa language option. The event attracted stakeholders from the disability communities from across the country.