mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP)

Mental, neurological and substance use disorders are highly prevalent and burdensome globally. The gap between what is urgently needed and what is available to reduce the burden is still very wide.

WHO recognizes the need for action to reduce the burden, and to enhance the capacity of Member States to respond to this growing challenge. Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) is WHO’s action plan to scale up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries especially with low and lower middle incomes. The essence of mhGAP is building partnerships for collective action and to reinforce the commitment of governments, international organizations and other stakeholders.

The mhGAP will be formally launched in WHO, Geneva, on 9th October 2008.