Regional strategy on mental health and substance abuse

Abstract

Mental health and its problems are a public health issue inextricably linked to quality of life, productivity and social capital. Mental, neurological and substance use disorders affect all social groups and ages, contributing to 12% of the burden of disease in the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region. Such disorders place a heavy burden on the persons with the disorder, their families and the community. Yet despite the accumulation of strong evidence showing that mental, neurological and substance use disorders are common and disabling, very few resources are invested in their care. The regional strategy on mental health and substance abuse aims at strengthening the integrated response of the health sector and other related sectors through the implementation of evidence-based and achievable plans for the promotion of mental health and the prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of mental, neurological and substance use disorders, with respect for human rights and social protection. The strategy and actions proposed, which were endorsed by the WHO Regional Committee for the Eastern Mediterranean in 2011, provide a foundation for the development of national strategies and action plans