First meeting of the Technical Advisory Group on the mental health impacts of COVID-19 in the WHO European Region: virtual meeting, 23 February 2021, 10:00 – 12:00 CET

Abstract

The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacted an enormous toll on the mental health and well-being of the population. The first meeting of the Technical Advisory Group (‎TAG)‎ on the mental health impacts of COVID-19 in the WHO European Region took place virtually on 23rd February 2021 to convene the new group of experts, discuss the situation and to share perspectives on the group’s priority concerns. The WHO Regional Director for Europe addressed participants, sharing his vision for health in the region and the importance of prioritizing mental health. Co-chairs of the TAG were nominated and invited speakers to share findings from a background technical paper commissioned by WHO Europe as a reference document for the technical advisory group, as well as perspectives from services and across the life-course were shared by TAG members. Advice and guidance were sought on the key mental health impacts of COVID-19 and the critical gaps in the response faced by countries. Members of the TAG were asked to submit their top three priority issues and concerns for the group to focus on in the coming months which will help to inform Member States recovery plans and the WHO European Region Framework for Action on Mental Health.