To commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day the CEO of AXA Mansard Health sat down with us to answer critical questions about mind health and the increasing menace of suicide globally. Below are his thoughts
AXA is a company committed to mind health, and we have seen AXA Mansard Health also paying a lot of attention to Wellness. Can you talk us through your motivations?
At AXA, our commitment to mind health and wellness stems from a deep understanding that health matters are holistic. Mental and physical health are intertwined, and we believe that addressing one without the other is inadequate. Our purpose is simple: To act for human progress by protecting what matters. This philosophy drives our initiatives, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive care that supports not just their physical well-being, but their mental and emotional well-being too.
During the pandemic, companies focused heavily on managing their employees’ mental health. Now that the pandemic is behind us, some think it’s time to put business back on the front burner. What are your thoughts on this?
While the pandemic did bring mental health to the forefront, it’s important to recognize that mental well-being is not just a temporary concern. It’s a critical component of long-term business success. Employees who are mentally healthy are more engaged, productive, and innovative. So, while business priorities are important, they shouldn’t overshadow the need to continue supporting mental health. At AXA Health, we believe that mental health should remain a priority because it’s integral to sustaining a healthy, resilient workforce.
AXA Mansard Health is a notable advocate for total wellness; can you talk us through some of the initiatives you are implementing to drive the awareness and adoption with your clients?
At AXA Health, we’ve launched several initiatives to promote wellness among our clients. For instance, we’ve integrated mental health services into our health plans, offering counselling and therapy sessions as part of our standard offerings. We call it the Employee Assistance Program. We also run wellness workshops, webinars and share periodic newsletters that cover topics such as stress management, work-life balance, and mindfulness. Additionally, we’ve developed partnerships with mental health organizations to ensure our clients have access to the best resources available. Our goal is to make wellness a natural part of our clients’ lives, not just something they think about when they’re in crisis. And in crises situations, our hotlines are available to provide necessary help.
From your position as the HMO of choice for most corporates and individual; what are the other things you think organisations should embrace as they seek to improve the mind health of their employees?
Organizations should take a proactive approach to mind health. This includes creating an open culture where mental health discussions are normalized and encouraged. Providing regular training for managers to recognize and support employees facing mental health challenges is also crucial. Additionally, offering flexible work arrangements, promoting work-life balance, and ensuring access to mental health resources are key steps that can make a significant difference in the overall well-being of employees.
As a major player in the health insurance sector in Africa, how would you assess the readiness of the sector to support this all-important topic of mental health?
The health insurance sector in Africa is gradually waking up to the importance of mental health, but there’s still a long way to go. While we’ve seen progress, particularly in urban areas, there’s a need for broader policy support and increased awareness to ensure mental health services are accessible to everyone, including those in rural areas. The sector is making strides, but we must continue to push for more comprehensive coverage and integration of mental health services into mainstream health insurance plans.
What are the trends you see in other climes that you wish we could be implement back in Nigeria?
Globally, we’re seeing a greater emphasis on preventive mental health care, the use of technology in mental health support, and the integration of mental health into primary care. Lastly, there is an increase in the uptake of artificial intelligence and data analytics to improve mental health diagnosis and treatment, personalize interventions, and predict mental health trends. The trends I’d love to see more widely adopted in Nigeria include implementing mental health screening as part of routine health checks, leveraging telemedicine to provide access to mental health professionals, and ensuring mental health care is available in all health care settings would be transformative.
What are the challenges and opportunities to implement these trends in Nigeria?
The primary challenge is awareness and stigma. Many people still view mental health as a taboo subject, which can hinder the adoption of new initiatives. However, this also presents an opportunity to educate and shift perceptions. Infrastructure and resource limitations are another challenge, but with the growing interest in health tech, there’s an opportunity to use technology to bridge some of these gaps. Partnerships with both local and international organizations can also help us implement these trends effectively
The conversation about mental health has been largely tagged as an HR discussion. As a leader, how important would you say this is for leaders to be involved in workplace mental-health efforts?
Leadership plays a pivotal role in workplace mental health. When leaders are actively involved, it signals to the entire organization that mental health is a priority. Leaders set the tone for the workplace culture, and by openly discussing and supporting mental health initiatives, they create an environment where employees feel safe to seek help. It’s not just an HR issue; it’s a leadership issue because the well-being of employees directly impacts the success of the organization.
While it is important to increase the awareness about mental health in the workplace, there is a bigger need to ensure that it’s etched into the consciousness of everyday people. What do you think the government can do to drive this increased awareness?
The government has a critical role in increasing mental health awareness. Public health campaigns that demystify mental health issues and promote the importance of seeking help are essential. Additionally, integrating mental health education into the school curriculum can help raise awareness from a young age. The government should also ensure that mental health services are included in national health policies and that there’s adequate funding to support these initiatives. By making mental health a national priority, we can create a society where mental well-being is valued and supported.
It’s World Suicide Prevention Day and your HMO has committed to increase awareness, what do you hope to achieve with the list of activities you have scheduled for the week?
Our activities for World Suicide Prevention Day are designed to spark conversations, increase awareness, and encourage action. We hope to educate people on the signs of suicide and how to provide support to those who may be struggling. We also aim to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues and encourage more open discussions around suicide and mental health. We have a series of activities planned for our enrolees for the week of Suicide Prevention. One of these activities that’s available to the general public is our radio show on Smooth FM 98.1 for September 11th at 6pm. We will be talking about Changing the narrative. Please join us. Ultimately, our goal is to save lives by making sure people know they are not alone, and that help is available.
