00:00In Nigeria, where mental health issues remain largely stigmatized,
00:04the federal government has plans to decriminalize attempted suicides.
00:08Trying to take one's life is currently punishable by up to one year in prison
00:12under colonial-era criminal code,
00:14while the penal code provides for up to a year in jail a fine or both.
00:19Health Minister Ali Pate said the existing legal framework
00:22treated people experiencing severe psychological distress
00:26as offenders rather than as people in need of care.
00:29He said government will send the planned amendment to the National Mental Health Act
00:33to the National Assembly for enactment.
00:36Pate said suicide remains a major public health concern
00:39and criminalizing attempted suicide discourage help-seeking behaviors
00:43while conflicting with national mental health policy.
00:47Citing World Health Organization figures,
00:49he said Nigeria records about 300,000 suicide attempts annually with at least 7,000 deaths.
00:54The minister said the reform aims at reducing suicide deaths and attempts by 15% by 2030
01:01as Nigeria shifts its response from punishment to care and support.
01:06The country faces a severe shortage of mental health professionals.
01:10And with respect and underpasses a civil limijroup,
01:10We've been hearing this concert about corporate law,
01:12It's a big deal.
01:12A small voice, call NaturTHANGLV446.
01:13It's not an evil day to the family girl.
01:13Half metaphor.
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