The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched new guidance to help countries reform and strengthen their mental health policies and systems.
Despite the rising global demand for mental health services, many remain underfunded and inaccessible. In some countries, up to 90 per cent of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care, while existing services often rely on outdated institutional models that fail to meet international human rights standards.
The newly released guidance provides a clear framework for transforming mental health services, ensuring quality care is available to all in line with the latest evidence and international human rights principles.
“Despite increasing awareness, quality mental health care remains out of reach for millions,” said WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “This guidance equips governments with the tools to protect mental health and build systems that serve everyone.”
While effective prevention and treatment interventions exist, many people living with mental health conditions lack access to appropriate care. The new WHO guidance outlines concrete steps to address these gaps, focusing on: Aligning mental health policies and services with international human rights standards, promoting holistic care that integrates lifestyle interventions, physical health, psychological support and social and economic assistance; Addressing key social determinants of mental health, including employment, housing, and education; Implementing large-scale prevention strategies to improve population-wide mental health and well-being and Ensuring individuals with lived experience are central to policy planning and service design.
The guidance highlights five critical areas requiring urgent reform: leadership and governance, service organisation, workforce development, person-centered interventions and addressing the social and structural determinants of mental health.
The WHO guidance serves as a vital tool for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders seeking to enhance mental health systems and expand access to care. It offers a flexible approach, allowing countries to tailor reforms based on their national context, available resources and operational structures.
“This new WHO guidance provides practical strategies for countries to build inclusive, responsive, and resilient mental health systems,” said unit head of policy, law, and human rights in the WHO department for mental health and substance use, Dr. Michelle Funk. “It is designed to be adaptable so that countries – whether low-, middle-, or high-income – can implement policies that best meet their unique needs and priorities.”
The guidance was developed in consultation with global experts, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience. It builds on existing WHO initiatives, including the QualityRights programme, which promotes a person-centered, recovery-oriented and rights-based approach to mental health care.
To ensure effective implementation, WHO will provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to countries adopting the new framework. With governments, policymakers, and health organisations working together, the guidance aims to create mental health systems that are accessible, inclusive, and aligned with global best practices.
