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WHO Released New Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans

Posted 27 Mar 2025

2 min read

WHO’s new guidance replaces its 2004 mental health policy framework and service guidance package, offering a clear path for countries to improve mental health systems. 

  • It stresses that mental health should be integrated as a core component of Universal Health Coverage (U H C). 

About Mental Health

  • Definition: WHO defines mental health as a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. 
  • Prevalence in India: 10.6% of adults in India suffer from mental disorders (NMHS Survey 2015-16)
Key Policy Areas of Mental Health Reform Under WHO Guidance

Need for Reforming Mental Health Policies 

  • Global Commitment: 
    • Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD): Prohibits all forms of disability (including psychosocial disabilities)-based discrimination . 
    • W H O Comprehensive mental health action plan 2013–2030: Calls for 80% of the endorsing countries to update and implement national policies (on mental health) by 2030.
  • Limited Access to Care:  In some countries, up to 90% of people with severe mental health conditions receive no care.
  • Poor Funding & Resource Allocation: 
    • Public spending on mental health is minimal, with a global median of just 2% of government health budgets.
    • Funds are often spent on outdated institutions instead of community-based care.
  • Lack of Inclusion: Contrary to the ethos of CRPD, people with mental health conditions have long been excluded from personal and societal decisions.
  • Tags :
  • WHO
  • CRPD
  • Mental Health
  • U H C
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