BLESSING TAIWO
The World Health Organization (WHO), on Tuesday, launched a new guidance framework to help all countries reform and strengthen mental health policies and systems.
According to a release by the international organization, in some countries, up to 90% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care at all, while many existing services rely on outdated institutional models that fail to meet international human rights standards.
“Mental health services worldwide remain underfunded, with major gaps in access and quality,” WHO stated.
Developed in consultation with global experts, policymakers and individuals with live experience, the framework provides a guideline to transform mental health services in line with the latest evidence and international human rights standards, ensuring quality care is accessible to all.
WHO pledged to support countries in implementing the guidance framework through technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.
The framework sets out concrete actions to help countries close these gaps and ensure mental health is promoted and protected, with a focus on:
Protecting and upholding human rights, ensuring mental health policies and services are aligned with international human rights standards;
Promoting holistic care with an emphasis on lifestyle and physical health, psychological, social, and economic interventions;
Addressing social and economic factors that shape and affect mental health, including employment, housing and education;
Implementing prevention strategies and promote population-wide mental health and well-being; and ensuring people with lived experience are empowered to participate in policy planning and design to ensure mental health policies and services are responsive to their needs.
The guidance identifies five key policy areas requiring urgent reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centered interventions, and addressing social and structural determinants of mental health.
By offering a menu of policy directives, strategies and actions to guide reform efforts, the guidance supports policy makers to prioritize and tailor policies to their specific national context, in line with their available resources and operational structures.
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General said the newly launched guidance will give all governments the tools to promote and protect mental health as well as build systems that serve everyone.
“Despite rising demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people.
“The WHO guidance serves as a critical tool for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders working to strengthen mental health systems and improve access to mental health care.”
Dr Michelle Funk, Unit Head, Policy, Law and Human Rights in the WHO Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse said the framework is flexible and allows all levels of countries to adopt it into their peculiar systems.
“This new WHO guidance provides practical strategies for countries to build inclusive, responsive and resilient mental health systems. Designed to be flexible, it allows all countries – whether low- middle- or high-income – to adapt their approach to mental health care based on national context, needs, and priorities,” Dr. Funk said.
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