The Director Amaudo Itumbauzo Center For Mentally Ill Destitutes, Very Rev Kenneth Nwaubani has raised alarm over the increasing cases of mental illness among youths in Abia State due to drug abuse.

The Very Rev Nwaubani who made the call while addressing newsmen after six mentally ill destitutes were picked from the streets of Umuahia and taken to the center for rehabilitation, called on Government to put in place the appropriate machinery to checkmate the ugly trend.

He warned youths to desist from the use of hard drugs which he said leads to physical, emotional and mental disorder.

Very Rev Nwaubani called on Government to make Mental Health Awareness an integral part of the Primary Healthcare System due to rising cases of mental health illness in the society.

He noted that such step will enable those with mental illness get unhindered access to Mental health care.

The Clergyman said that the lenten period is centered on demonstrating God’s love and calls for greater love as well as care for humanity beyond the usual fasting and praying.

He called on the Church of God and other privileged persons in the society to be part of bringing succour to the downtrodden.

Very Rev Nwaubani commended Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for exhibiting concern for the less privileged through the existing partnership between the state government and the center.

He disclosed that the Mobile Mental Health Clinic would soon move to Arochukwu and other local government areas of the state to take care of mentally ill persons within the remotest parts of the state.