During his 5th visit to Ukraine in the past year, Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, WHO Regional Director for Europe, reiterated the importance of strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services (MHPSS) for millions impacted by the ongoing war.
That was just one of the key messages emanating from Dr Kluge’s meetings with the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Viktor Liashko, and the First Lady, Olena Zelenska, who has championed the cause of mental health all the more since 24 February 2022.
According to WHO global estimates, 1 in 5 people (22%) living in an area affected by conflict at any time during the previous 10-year period is estimated to have some form of mental health condition, ranging from mild depression or anxiety to psychosis. Furthermore, almost 1 in 10 (9%) is living with a moderate or severe mental health condition.
Applying these estimates to the population of Ukraine would mean that 9.6 million people may have a mental health condition, of whom 3.9 million may have conditions which are moderate or severe.
To respond to this very serious challenge, WHO has been providing technical expertise to Ukraine aimed at building capacity in MHPSS – to help ensure the mental health system meets the best global standards, even as Ukraine works to address wider health systems challenges brought by the war.
Complementing Madame Zelenska’s initiative to create the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme, WHO is providing the necessary assistance for its implementation. In particular, WHO has supported the development of the operational roadmap, Ukrainian Prioritized Multisectoral Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Actions During and After the War, which facilitates the coordination of various sectors.
Other WHO activities are aimed at helping nurture services at the primary and specialized health-care levels, and promoting stress management skills.
“Mental health affects everyone. Just like our bodies need care and nourishment, so too do our minds. The ongoing war is placing an enormous strain on the mental health and well-being of all Ukrainians, and it’s vital we begin addressing this now,” said Dr Kluge. “Integrating mental health and psychosocial support into the primary care system of Ukraine will help reach communities everywhere while also building public awareness that it is okay to seek help or advice for mental health issues. I thank the First Lady for her continued leadership in this regard.”
To foster greater cooperation between different sectors in the field of mental health, WHO will provide support to the Project Office under the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, which will develop solutions and coordinate the implementation of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme.