80% of helpline traffic related to pandemic-induced anxiety

Nigeria has a grave deficit of medical doctors. For every 5,100 patients in the country, there is only one doctor available. In mental health care, the numbers are grim. For every 800,000 patients, there is only one available psychiatrist according to figures from the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria.

We started a 24/7 helpline in July 2016 over which we have logged 6,000+ calls. I think just like every other health-related service, there’s been a spike. As of our half-year report that is still being worked on, numbers are showing over a 60% increase in the number of calls coming in.

And we’re seeing a huge chunk of these calls, about 80%, related to uncertainty, fear, and anxiety that are exacerbated by the pandemic, the lockdown, loss of a source of income and social interaction, or being locked down in places where people do not completely feel safe.