Mental health

WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP)

Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders are common in all regions of the world, affecting every community and age group across all income countries. While 14% of the global burden of disease is attributed to these disorders, most of the people affected - 75% in many low-income countries - do not have access to the treatment they need.

The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aims at scaling up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries especially with low- and middle-income. The programme asserts that with proper care, psychosocial assistance and medication, tens of millions could be treated for depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, prevented from suicide and begin to lead normal lives– even where resources are scarce.

Key information

Cover image

WHO launches mhGAP Intervention Guide for mental, neurological and substance use disorders in non-specialized health settings.

Latest publications

Public health action for the prevention of suicide

To assist governments in developing and implementing strategies for the prevention of suicide

WHO QualityRights Tool Kit

WHO QualityRights tool kit to improve quality and human rights in mental health facilities

Dementia: a public health priority

Raising awareness of dementia as a public health priority

WHO MIND Project