The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched new guidance aimed at reforming and enhancing mental health policies and systems across the globe. Despite growing demand, mental health services remain underfunded and unequal, leaving many without access to proper care. In some regions, as much as 90% of individuals with severe mental health conditions receive no treatment, and existing services often follow outdated, institutional models that fail to meet international human rights standards.
The WHO’s new framework offers a comprehensive guide for transforming mental health services to align with the latest evidence and human rights practices, ensuring that quality care becomes accessible to everyone.
“Despite rising demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people,” stated Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General. “This new guidance gives all governments the tools to promote and protect mental health and build systems that serve everyone.”
A Roadmap for Transforming Mental Health Care
Although effective prevention and treatment options are available, most individuals with mental health conditions are unable to access them. The WHO’s new guidance outlines specific actions for countries to address these gaps and ensure that mental health is promoted and protected worldwide. Key areas of focus include:
- Upholding Human Rights: Ensuring mental health policies and services meet international human rights standards.
- Holistic Care: Focusing on lifestyle, physical health, and psychological, social, and economic support.
- Addressing Social Factors: Tackling social and economic issues like employment, housing, and education that affect mental health.
- Prevention and Promotion: Implementing strategies to prevent mental health issues and promote overall well-being.
- Empowering Lived Experience: Including individuals with lived experience in policy planning to ensure services meet their needs.
The guidance identifies five critical policy areas requiring immediate reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centered interventions, and addressing social and structural determinants of mental health.
Tailored Strategies for Global Reform
The WHO’s guidance serves as an essential tool for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders working to improve mental health systems and expand access to care. By providing a range of policy options and strategies, it helps countries tailor their mental health reforms based on national contexts, available resources, and needs.
“This guidance offers practical strategies for countries to create inclusive, responsive, and resilient mental health systems. It is adaptable to all countries, whether low-, middle-, or high-income, allowing each nation to align its approach with local priorities and needs,” said Dr. Michelle Funk, Unit Head, Policy, Law, and Human Rights in WHO’s Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse.
Collaboration and Implementation
The WHO developed this guidance in consultation with global experts, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience. The guidance builds on the WHO’s QualityRights initiative, which advocates for a person-centered, recovery-focused, and rights-based approach to mental health. To support countries in implementing these reforms, the WHO will provide technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
With this new guidance, the WHO aims to reshape mental health services worldwide, making them more inclusive, equitable, and effective for all.
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