Overview
Three scenarios for action
International action is critical if these recommendations are to be implemented effectively, because many countries lack the necessary resources. United Nations technical and developmental agencies and others can assist countries with mental health infrastructure development, manpower training, and research capacity building.
To help guide countries, the report in its concluding section provides three "scenarios for action" according to the varying levels of national mental health resources around the world. Scenario A, for example, applies to economically poorer countries where such resources are completely absent or very limited. Even in such cases, specific actions such as training of all personnel, making essential drugs available at all health facilities, and moving the mentally ill out of prisons, can be applied. For countries with modest levels of resources, Scenario B suggests, among other actions, the closure of custodial mental hospitals and steps towards integrating mental health care into general health care. Scenario C, for those countries with most resources, proposes improvements in the management of mental disorders in primary health care, easier access to newer drugs, and community care facilities offering 100% coverage.
All of the above recommendations and actions stem from the main body of the report itself.