All 194 WHO Member States have signed up to the ‘Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030’, which commits them to global targets for transforming mental health
The World Health Organization has released review of world mental health since the turn of the century. It provides a blueprint for governments, academics, health professionals, civil society and others with an ambition to support the world in transforming mental health.
Drawing on the latest evidence available, showcasing examples of good practice, and voicing people’s lived experience, WHO’s report 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.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said, “Everyone’s life touches someone with a mental health condition. Good mental health translates to good physical health and this new report makes a compelling case for change. The inextricable links between mental health and public health, human rights and socioeconomic development mean that transforming policy and practice in mental health can deliver real, substantive benefits for individuals, communities and countries everywhere. Investment into mental health is an investment into a better life and future for all.”
All 194 WHO Member States have signed up to the ‘Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030’, which commits them to global targets for transforming mental health. Pockets of progress achieved over the past decade prove that change is possible. But change is not happening fast enough, and the story of mental health remains one of need and neglect with 2 out of 3 dollars of scarce government spending on mental health allocated to stand-alone psychiatric hospitals rather than community-based mental health services where people are best served. For decades mental health has been one of the most overlooked areas of public health, receiving a tiny part of the attention and resources it needs and deserves.
Dévora Kestel, Director, WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Department called for change, “Every country has ample opportunity to make meaningful progress towards better mental health for its population. Whether developing stronger mental health policies and laws, covering mental health in insurance schemes, developing or strengthening community mental health services or integrating mental health into general health care, schools, and prisons, the many examples in this report show that the strategic changes can make a big difference.”
The report urges all countries to accelerate their implementation of the ‘Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030’. It makes several recommendations for action, which are grouped into three ‘paths to transformation’ that focus on shifting attitudes to mental health, addressing risks to mental health and strengthening systems of care for mental health. They are:
- Deepen the value and commitment we give to mental health.
- Reshape environments that influence mental health, including homes, communities, schools, workplaces, health care services, natural environments.
- Strengthen mental health care by changing where, how, and by whom mental health care is delivered and received.