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The Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) is an international medical organization, founded in 2009. ALIMA’s aim is to provide a high standard of healthcare in situations of emergency or medical disaster and to improve the practice of humanitarian medicine by developing innovative projects associated with medical research.

  • Experience 2 years
  • Location Yobe

Level 3: As part of his/her duties, the incumbent will visit programs and come into contact with children and/or vulnerable adults. Therefore, a criminal record check or a certificate of good character will be required. In situations where a criminal record check or character reference is not possible, a declaration on honour will be requested.

Mission Location: Gashua, Yobe state

Management lines:

  • Report to (Direct): MHPS  Supervior
  • Report to (Functional): PROJECT MEDICAL REFERENT
  • Staff Reporting to him:

MAIN ACTIVITIES

Under the guidance of the medref and technical support of the Roving MHPSS Manager for Nigeria, the MHPSS OFFICER will report to the MHPSS supervisor, and  will provide overall ALIMA’s MHPSS interventions for the beneficiaries in the project.

Main responsibilities: 

  • Integrate MHPSS to SRH, /SGBV/GBV, malnutrition and all other health units including emergency response, i.e. disease outbreaks, natural disasters etc.
  • Conduct case-by-case needs assessments for the diagnosis of psychological disorders and identification of treatment and therapy
  • Carry out evaluation of mental health needs of patients/beneficiaries and establishing a diagnosis and a plan of treatment following WHO MHGAP approach and ALIMA case management protocols. Referring cases to other health professionals whenever necessary, in order to provide the most appropriate treatment and improve the patient’s condition
  • Provide psychological support and psychotherapy sessions (individual, family, group) to beneficiaries in need according to ALIMA, MHGAP and other standards protocols in order to improve their psycho-social and mental health conditions
  • Assist cases with identified mental or emotional disorders referred internally or externally
  • Document progress on cases, maintaining strict protocols for confidentiality and consent, and ensure that data protection protocols are respected
  • Support in providing capacity building for ALIMA teams to increase technical capacity and referral by other units.
  • Facilitate trainings for internal staffs and communities on psychological first aid (PFA)
  • Support in providing capacity building for caregivers especially in child psycho stimulation programs & Work in close collaboration with health promoters.
  • Strengthen community based psychosocial support and peer support group activities standard protocols and procedures set in order to provide the most appropriate management.
  • Carry out all tasks respecting key protection principles, including but not limited to: do no harm, non-discrimination, confidentiality, accountability and need-to-know principles
  •  Support in organizing events, i.e world mental health day, GBV 16 days of activism.
  • Engage with health promoters, community mobilizers, and community leaders to coordinate, organize, and promote MHPSS /SGBV activities in the designated locations
  • Prepare and conduct psychoeducation.
  • Work in close coordination with the MHPSS senior management and focal points on issues related to the field in terms of identification of challenges encountered, gaps, provide all necessary information to ensure better implementation of activities.
  • Submit monthly reports, in addition to the data collection sheet that should be filled on a weekly basis to the MHPSS supervisor
  •  Report any concerning issues first hand to the direct supervisor;
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATION

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work, mental health, psychology or related fields
  • Minimum of 2 years of specialized experience in community based psychosocial support interventions particularly as it relates to social norms change.
  • Experience with medical international NGO, an asset
  • Experience in a similar position for at least 2 years.
  • Demonstrated experience on counselling skills.
  • Perfect knowledge of MS Office package, especially Excel & Word
  • Languages- fluent -English oral & written. Mandatory and local language of the  region-Hausa etc

BEHAVIORAL SKILLS

  •  Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork.
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work on own initiative and adaptable to changing needs and situations
  • Flexible, patient and adaptable to a changing environment.
  • Ability to work under pressure with numerous deadlines, etc.

CONDITIONS

  • Contract term: contract under Nigeria Law, 6 months’ renewable.
  • Salary: According to ALIMA function grid.

Method of Application

Interested and qualified? Go to Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) on forms.gle to apply

The post MHPSS Officer at Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA) appeared first on Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for Advert By Dotifi .Com Domains for almajiri.com.ng Hausa Music Blog, Entertainment ,News and Gossips .

By 9jabook

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From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5 The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Article .From Tramadol to Canadian to Exol-5: The New Drug Destroying Nigerian Youths An Investigative Report on the Shifting Landscape of Substance Abuse in Nigeria Nigeria faces a severe and evolving drug crisis, particularly among its youth. What began with the widespread abuse of Tramadol has progressed through mixtures like “Canadian” to newer pharmaceutical diversions such as Exol-5. This shift reflects deeper issues: easy access to prescription drugs, weak regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and aggressive street-level marketing. NDLEA operations and health studies reveal a public health emergency that threatens an entire generation. Phase 1: The Tramadol Epidemic (2010s–Early 2020s) Tramadol, a synthetic opioid prescribed for moderate to severe pain, became Nigeria’s most notorious street drug. Cheap, potent, and widely smuggled (often from India and other Asian countries), it offered users energy, euphoria, and pain relief — appealing to commercial drivers, laborers, students, and young men seeking confidence or stamina. Scale of the Problem: Millions of tablets seized annually by NDLEA. High prevalence among young males aged 15–35. Linked to increased crime, sexual violence, organ damage (kidney failure, seizures), and mental health breakdowns. Contributed to broader opioid misuse alongside codeine cough syrups. Government responses included tighter import controls and public awareness campaigns, but these only displaced demand to other substances rather than eliminating it. Phase 2: The Rise of “Canadian” (Mid-2020s) “Canadian” or “Canadian Loud” emerged as a popular code for high-grade cannabis (often indica-dominant strains) or cannabis mixed with other synthetics. It gained traction as users sought alternatives or combinations to Tramadol’s effects. This phase marked a move toward imported or locally cultivated premium weed, sometimes laced with stronger chemicals. Youths in urban centers like Lagos, Kano, Jos, and Onitsha embraced it for its perceived “cleaner” high compared to opioids. However, it fueled polydrug use — combining cannabis with opioids, sedatives, or alcohol — amplifying health risks. Phase 3: Exol-5 – The Current Threat (2024–2026) Exol-5 (Benzhexol Hydrochloride / Trihexyphenidyl 5mg), originally a prescription medication for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders, has become the latest pharmaceutical being heavily abused. Why Exol-5? Euphoric Effects: Users report intense euphoria, hallucinations, and a sense of detachment — making it attractive as a cheap “upper” or escape. Accessibility: Sold over-the-counter or on the black market despite being a controlled prescription drug. NDLEA has seized millions of pills in single operations (e.g., 3.1 million pills in Kano in late 2024, and over 5.6 million combined with Tramadol in other busts). Street Names: Exol, Artane, Benzhexol, “Farin Mallam” (in Northern Nigeria). Demographics: Prevalent among youths, laborers, and even psychiatric patients who divert prescriptions. Studies show abuse rates as high as 25% among certain outpatient groups. Health Consequences: Anticholinergic toxicity: Confusion, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, constipation, and in high doses — delirium, psychosis, seizures, and heart issues. Long-term: Cognitive impairment, addiction, exacerbated mental health disorders. Often mixed with Tramadol, codeine, or cannabis, creating dangerous synergies. In cities like Jos, Exol-5 sits alongside diazepam, Rohypnol, and Tramadol on street markets, easily available to teenagers and young adults. Why This Evolution Continues Supply-Side Failures: Porous borders, corrupt officials, and overproduction of pharmaceuticals enable diversion. Demand Drivers: Unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, trauma, and the pursuit of performance enhancement (e.g., for “hustle” culture). Weak Regulation: Many pharmacies sell restricted drugs without prescriptions. Online and street vendors fill gaps. Displacement Effect: Cracking down on one substance (Tramadol/codeine) pushes users and dealers toward the next available option. NDLEA reports ongoing large seizures, but the problem persists due to high profitability and low risk for mid-level distributors. Broader Impacts on Nigerian Youths Education: Increased dropout rates and poor academic performance. Mental Health: Rising cases of psychosis and depression. Economy: Lost productivity among the working-age population. Crime and Violence: Drug-fueled robberies, cultism, and family breakdowns. Public Health System Strain: Overburdened hospitals treating overdoses and chronic complications. Young people aged 15–39 remain the hardest hit, with national surveys showing drug use prevalence significantly above global averages. What Must Be Done Stronger Enforcement: Consistent prosecution of corrupt enablers and large-scale traffickers. Regulation: Crackdown on rogue pharmacies and better tracking of prescription drugs. Prevention & Rehabilitation: School programs, community outreach, and expanded treatment centers (currently woefully inadequate). Economic Alternatives: Address root causes like youth unemployment. Public Awareness: Honest campaigns highlighting real dangers of “Exol-5” and similar drugs. Conclusion From Tramadol’s opioid grip to “Canadian” cannabis culture and now Exol-5’s anticholinergic highs, Nigeria’s drug crisis is mutating faster than responses can contain it. Exol-5 represents the dangerous new frontier — a legitimate medicine turned youth destroyer due to misuse and greed. Without urgent, multi-layered intervention — combining supply disruption, demand reduction, and socioeconomic support — an entire generation risks being lost to addiction. The time for half-measures is over. Nigeria’s future depends on winning this fight.