WHO report highlights urgent need to transform mental health and mental health care
The World Health Organization has released its largest analysis of world mental health in 20 years. The detailed work provides a blueprint for governments, academics, health professionals, civil society and others with an ambition to support the world in transforming mental health.
The comprehensive report draws on the latest evidence available, showcasing examples of good practice from around the world, and voicing people’s lived experiences of mental health conditions. It highlights why and where change is most needed and how it can best be achieved. It calls on all stakeholders to work together to deepen the value and commitment given to mental health, reshape the environments that influence mental health and strengthen the systems that care for people’s mental health. The report urges mental health decision-makers and advocates to step up commitment and action to change attitudes, actions and approaches to mental health and mental health care.
Just a small fraction of people in need have access to effective, affordable and quality mental health care. Stigma, discrimination and human rights violations against people with mental health conditions are widespread in communities and care systems everywhere. In all countries, it is the poorest and most disadvantaged in society who are at greatest risk of mental ill-health and who are also the least likely to receive adequate services.
In 2019, nearly a billion people were living with mental health conditions. Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, war, civil unrest and the climate crisis have contributed to widespread psychological distress that is pushing these figures even higher.
It was launched on 17th June 2022 with a webinar event where we heard from those engaged with this seminal work which will support governments, care providers, civil society agencies and individuals in transforming mental health. Access webinar recording here
ACCESS THE REPORT HERE
ACCESS THE REPORT IN ARABIC HERE
