Ukraine War: Nigerian evacuees need mental checkup, says expert

The health advocate wants a percentage of the $8.5 million being used to evacuate Nigerians mapped out for trauma therapy.

Public health advocate, Obioma Agoziem, says it is essential for Nigerians returning from Ukraine to get a mental checkup. 

In a press statement issued on Saturday, the executive director of Centre for Corrections and Human Development, is asking that a truama therapy session be given the evacuees from the federal government approved $8.5 million. 

She expressed her concerns that there was no fund set aside for mental health checks for the returnees.

“Is there any percentage of the $8.5 million approved for evacuation of Nigerians mapped out for Trauma Therapy?” she asked.

“It is no longer news that President Buhari had approved and released the sum of $8.5 million for the Nigerians that flee the Russian – Ukraine war to Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovskia.

“The third batch already landed Nnamdi Azkiwe Airport today. Part of the activities are to immediately go in for medical checks and thereafter fill out some documents. I did not read any information on Truama Therapy.

“Major part of the health services should be on Mental health/Truama Therapy.  Having gone through this terrible experience, they would have gone through shocks and are bound to exhibit unpredictable emotions. A Truama therapy session would be ideal and help them to heal faster and completely.”

On Feburay 24, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a full-scale war against Ukraine.

After the invasion, the federal government approved $8.5 million (N3.5 billion) for the evacuation of Nigerians willing to leave Ukraine and return to the country.

Over 800 Nigerians have been evacuated by the federal government as at Sunday, March 6.