By Bunmi Yekini
The World Health Organization (WHO) has unveiled new guidance aimed at transforming mental health policies and systems worldwide, addressing critical gaps in access, funding, and quality of care.
Despite increasing demand, millions of people continue to struggle without proper mental health support. In some countries, up to 90% of individuals with severe mental health conditions receive no care at all. Existing services in many places rely on outdated institutional models that fail to meet international human rights standards.
“Despite rising demand, quality mental health services remain out of reach for many people,” said 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 Blueprint for Mental Health Transformation
The WHO guidance outlines concrete actions for governments to reform their mental health policies, with a focus on:
- Aligning mental health services with international human rights standards.
- Promoting holistic care, including psychological, social, and economic support.
- Addressing key social factors such as employment, housing, and education.
- Implementing prevention strategies to promote population-wide mental well-being.
- Ensuring people with lived experience contribute to policy planning.
The framework highlights five key areas that require urgent reform: leadership and governance, service organization, workforce development, person-centred care, and tackling social determinants of mental health.
A Flexible and Inclusive Approach
Dr. Michelle Funk, Unit Head for Policy, Law and Human Rights in the WHO Department for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, emphasized that the guidance is adaptable to different national contexts.
“This new WHO guidance provides practical strategies for countries to build inclusive, responsive, and resilient mental health systems,” she stated. “Designed to be flexible, it allows all countries – whether low-, middle-, or high-income – to tailor their approach based on national needs and priorities.”
Developed through consultations with global experts and individuals with lived experience, the guidance builds on WHO’s QualityRights initiative, which promotes a person-centred, recovery-oriented, and rights-based approach to mental health care. WHO has pledged ongoing support for countries implementing the recommendations, offering technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives.