The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled new guidance aimed at helping countries reform and strengthen mental health policies and services. Despite rising demand, mental health services worldwide remain underfunded, with many individuals unable to access care. In some regions, as many as 90% of those with severe mental health conditions receive no treatment, while many existing services are outdated and do not meet international human rights standards.
The WHO’s guidance offers a comprehensive framework to modernize mental health services. It emphasizes providing high-quality care to all, in line with the latest evidence and human rights standards.
“Despite growing demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This new guidance equips governments with the tools to protect and promote mental health and to build systems that serve everyone.”
A Blueprint for Mental Health Reform
Although effective prevention and treatment options exist, most people with mental health conditions lack access to these services. WHO’s new guidance outlines key steps for countries to address these gaps and prioritize mental health, including:
- Ensuring mental health policies and services align with international human rights standards
- Promoting holistic care that includes physical, psychological, social, and economic interventions
- Addressing social and economic factors such as employment, housing, and education that impact mental health
- Implementing population-wide prevention strategies to improve overall mental well-being
- Empowering people with lived experience to contribute to policy planning and service design
The guidance identifies five critical areas for reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centred care, and addressing social and structural determinants of mental health.
Tailored Approaches to Mental Health System Strengthening
WHO’s new guidance is designed to support governments, policymakers, and stakeholders in building more inclusive and responsive mental health systems. It provides a range of policy directives, strategies, and actions to help countries tailor mental health reforms to their specific needs and resources.
“This flexible guidance helps all countries, regardless of their income level, adapt their mental health systems to fit their national context and priorities,” said Dr. Michelle Funk, Unit Head of Policy, Law, and Human Rights in WHO’s Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Collaborative Development and Implementation
The guidance was developed with input from global experts, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience. It builds on WHO’s previous initiatives, such as the QualityRights program, which promotes a recovery-oriented, rights-based approach to mental health. WHO will assist countries in implementing the guidance through technical support and capacity-building programs.
This new policy is a crucial step toward transforming mental health systems globally, ensuring that mental health services are accessible and meet the needs of all individuals.
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