Likewise, mental health services are an essential component of health care and universal health coverage. Mental health has been identified as an area for accelerated implementation in WHO’s Thirteenth General Programme of Work (GPW13). Yet, there remains much to be done to ensure all people achieve the highest standard of mental health and well-being. Action must be taken to address decades of inattention to and underdevelopment of mental health services and systems, human rights abuses and discrimination against people with mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities.

 

This updated comprehensive mental health action plan, endorsed by the Seventy-fourth World Health Assembly in decision WHA74(14), builds upon its predecessor, the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013–2020, by including revised indicators and options for implementation as well as updated global targets. The plan retains the emphasis on a life-course approach and on actions to promote mental health and well-being for all, to prevent mental health conditions for those at-risk and to achieve universal coverage for mental health services.

 

The original four major objectives remain unchanged: more effective leadership and governance for mental health; the provision of comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care services in community-based settings; implementation of strategies for promotion and prevention; and strengthened information systems, evidence and research.

 

Although the targets in this action plan are ambitious, the WHO Secretariat and Member States remain committed to reaching them. To do so, we must act together to address mental health needs, now and for the future – because there is no health without mental health.

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Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus

Director-General

World Health Organization