Centre For Health Ethics Law and Development

Section 23 of the National Mental Health Act outlines several key protections for individuals with mental health conditions under the care of a health professional or health facility. The main protections are as follows: 1. Right to Dignity and Respect: Individuals with mental health conditions are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, free from any form of discrimination or stigma. 2. Access to Care: Individuals with mental health conditions have the right to appropriate mental health care and services, including emergency care when necessary. 3. Protection from Abuse: Individuals are safeguarded against any form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, with established mechanisms for reporting and addressing such incidents. These protections aim to ensure that individuals with mental health conditions receive the necessary care and support while safeguarding their rights and well-being, particularly from health professionals or staff employed by a facility.   #CHELDMentalHealth #NationalMentalHealthAct #KnowYourRights

We are delighted to invite you to the Inaugural Lecture of our Executive Director, Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe. She will deliver the lecture on the topic: “The Law as Compass, Lever or Stumbling Block? Harnessing the Power of Law to Reify and Realise the Right to Health”. Further details are set out below: Date: Thursday, 6th March 2025 Venue: Main Auditorium, Babcock Business School Time: 2:00 pm Register here for virtual participation: https://lnkd.in/dPmVrd22 We are looking forward to you coming to this significant event as we engage with vital issues at the intersections of law and health.

Section 22 of the National Mental Health Act has several important implications for mental health patients: 1. Legal Representation: It ensures that mental health patients have access to legal representation, which helps protect their rights and ensures they receive fair treatment under the law. 2. Protection Against Abuse: By providing legal support, the Act helps safeguard mental health patients from potential exploitation, abuse, and neglect. 3. Fair Treatment: Legal representation ensures that mental health patients are treated fairly in legal and healthcare settings, preventing discrimination and ensuring their voices are heard. 4. Advocacy: Legal representatives can advocate for the rights of mental health patients and help them navigate complex legal and healthcare systems. Overall, Section 22 aims to promote mental health patients' dignity, autonomy, and well-being by ensuring they have the necessary legal support to protect their rights. #CHELDMentalHealth #MentalHealth #Knowyourrights

Section 21 of the National Mental Health Act spells out the rights of persons with mental health conditions to confidentiality, including information relating to his or her health status, treatment and stay in a health facility. This section's primary implication is protecting sensitive personal health information. It's designed to ensure that such information is handled with high confidentiality and only disclosed when necessary and with appropriate consent. #CHELDMentalHealth #MentalHealth #KnowYourRights

Section 13 of the National Mental Health Act delineates the employment rights of individuals with mental health conditions. This section seeks to guarantee equal work opportunities and fair compensation for those with mental health conditions, promoting a just and inclusive society. #CHELDMentalHealth  #MentalHealth  #KnowYourRights

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for female genital mutilation (FGM), provides an opportunity to highlight progress and raise awareness to end this harmful practice. As a member of the National Technical Committee (NTC) and through our partnerships with relevant stakeholders including the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Nigeria, and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the Centre For Health Ethics Law and Development has participated in engagements targeted at the eradication of FGM at national levels and most importantly at community levels where this practice is still practiced. where we spoke on the dangers and impacts of FGM on survivors. CHELD has been at the forefront of the advocacy against the elimination of female genital mutilation in Nigeria. We have passionately provided our expertise towards relevant policy development including the National policy on FGM and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act which is the federal Law that outrightly prohibits FGM. On this FGM awareness day, we continue to urge governments, community leaders, health workers and family members to #stepupthepace to end FGM. #Unite2EndFGM #ZeroToleranceforFGM

Behind every cancer diagnosis lies a unique human story - stories of grief, pain, healing, resilience, love and more. That’s why a people-centred approach to cancer care that fully integrates each individual’s unique needs, with compassion and empathy, leads to the best health outcomes. This is because cancer is more than just a medical diagnosis — it’s a deeply personal matter. #WorldCancerDay #UniquebyNature

Section 12 (2) of the National Mental Health Act grants persons with mental health conditions rights that ensure they live, work and access the same opportunities as fellow citizens ensuring their equality and dignity. Sub-section 2 a & b of those rights are: (a) access medical, social and legal services; (b) protection from physical and mental abuse and any form of exploitation, forced labour, violence, torture, cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, including chaining #CHELDMentalHealth #MentalHealth

Abuse is often intended to, and typically a consequence of, eroding another's self-worth and self-respect.    In many cases, the abused feels as though she/he is responsible for the abuse. This perception is false. The abuser alone is accountable for their choices. You deserve to live free from abuse. You need not endure this.    Here are ten actions to consider to help you escape the abuse:   #Genderbasedviolence #GBV #RedDiary 

The Nigerian Academy of Science 6th National Scientific Conference took place in Abuja, providing a platform to showcase scientific research and innovations to address the challenges posed by climate change. This year's theme, “Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Nigeria,” encompassed topics such as the impact of urban renewal on climate change, climate change and water management, the role of technology in adaptation, and the intersection of gender and climate change. The Centre For Health Ethics Law and Development (CHELD), represented by Omigbile Olamide, MPH, presented an abstract titled “Climate-Induced Displacement and Demographic Characteristics of Internally Displaced Persons in Abuja: A Gender Analysis.” The research, conducted across three Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Abuja, highlighted key findings: 1. Women were disproportionately displaced due to climate-related events such as flooding and drought compared to men. 2. A significant proportion of displaced women lacked formal education compared to their male counterparts. 3. Displaced women earn less than men affected by similar climate events, exacerbating their vulnerability. The study underscores the critical need for gender-sensitive interventions to address the unique challenges faced by women in displacement situations caused by climate change. #Climatechange