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.

Recent events

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

Latest publications

Mental health and development report

Targeting people with mental health conditions as a vulnerable group

Improving health systems and services for mental health

This document presents an integrated strategy for mental health system development.

Pharmacological treatment of mental disorders in primary health care

This manual attempts to provide simple, adequate and evidence-based information to health care professionals in primary health care.