The WHO's Mental Health Action Strategy: Anticipating the Evolution of Mental Health Care
The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a comprehensive action plan aimed at transforming mental health care globally. The Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, a global initiative, seeks to enhance governance, service delivery, and human rights, with future goals emphasising universal access, prevention, and recovery-oriented care.
Progress
The WHO's action plan has garnered widespread support and engagement, with all WHO Member States committed to its implementation [1]. The organisation has also launched several initiatives, such as the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (2019–2023), which aims to ensure access to quality and affordable mental health care for 100 million more people in 12 priority countries [1]. Additionally, the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) focuses on scaling up services for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Future Goals
The plan calls for countries to accelerate progress by recognising the value of mental health, prioritising mental health promotion and prevention, and developing networks of community-based services [1]. Enhancing strategies for mental health promotion and prevention is a key focus, emphasising a proactive approach to mental health care.
The plan aligns with achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC), aiming to ensure that mental health care is integrated into broader health systems. The WHO is also working to promote a human rights-based approach, with a focus on recovery-oriented services, to improve the quality of mental health care.
Global Targets
The WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030 has global targets for 80% of countries to achieve certain goals by 2030. The plan sets detailed global targets along with implementation and assessment strategies, with the goal of achieving these objectives by 2030.
Mental Health in the UK
In the UK, mental health is a significant concern, with 1 in 6 people aged 16 and above suffering from mental health issues [2]. The National Health Service (NHS) has implemented initiatives such as the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme in 2008, which has been renamed "NHS Talking Therapies, for Depression and Anxiety" in 2023. Nearly 2 million people were referred to IAPT by 2022.
Focus on Prevention and Recovery
The WHO encourages a recovery-based approach where people with mental health issues are equipped with skills to achieve their goals. The plan aims to prevent mental health conditions in susceptible individuals and provide mental health services to those who need them. The aim is to double the number of community-based mental health facilities to support self-management [3].
In conclusion, the WHO's Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan seeks to transform mental health care globally by enhancing governance, service delivery, and human rights, with future goals emphasising universal access, prevention, and recovery-oriented care. Mental health is recognised as a basic human right by the WHO, and significant advancements in mental health treatments have been made, providing access to the right medications and therapies for those with mental health issues. However, mental health issues still require major improvements due to factors like social taboo and lack/delay in diagnosis and seeking help.
Science plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan, as research and innovation can contribute to the development of effective mental health treatments and interventions.
In line with the plan's emphasis on a proactive approach to mental health care, promoting health-and-wellness practices that support mental health can also be beneficial in preventing mental health issues. This includes stress management techniques, exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet, which are all important aspects of overall well-being that can contribute to mental health and wellness.
