The significant burden of mental disorders worldwide has led to increasing global recognition of the importance of mental health. Having a well thought through mental health policy in place is an essential step towards improving the mental health of the population. WHO has been encouraging its member states to develop national mental health policies and plans.
In Bangladesh, mental disorders affect 16.1% of adults and 18.4% of children, however, in the context of stigma and discrimination, the treatment gap is high. Furthermore, mental health services tend to be concentrated in large cities.
WHO Country Office for Bangladesh supported the National Institute of Mental Health to develop a national mental health policy to ensure the mental health of all people by taking into consideration the mental health needs of the population, services available, a pilot project and sharing experiences with other countries. Consultation and negotiation took place through working groups and consensus meetings, involving representatives from Government, international organizations, professional associations, universities and NGO’s.
The success of this policy will ultimately depend on the processes that are put in place. Mental health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation will be based on self-empowerment, community and family support, use of existing resources, participation in decision-making and inclusion in community life.
“This policy will be an important document in determining the formal way of addressing mental health in the context of cost-effective service delivery” said Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Hamid, Director-cum-Professor (In Charge), National Institute of Mental Health.
Pushing forward with advocacy for mental health and improving awareness will be crucial to ensure that this policy fosters progress.
The significant burden of mental disorders worldwide has led to increasing global recognition of the importance of mental health. Having a well thought through mental health policy in place is an essential step towards improving the mental health of the population. WHO has been encouraging its member states to develop national mental health policies and plans.
In Bangladesh, mental disorders affect 16.1% of adults and 18.4% of children, however, in the context of stigma and discrimination, the treatment gap is high. Furthermore, mental health services tend to be concentrated in large cities.
WHO Country Office for Bangladesh supported the National Institute of Mental Health to develop a national mental health policy to ensure the mental health of all people by taking into consideration the mental health needs of the population, services available, a pilot project and sharing experiences with other countries. Consultation and negotiation took place through working groups and consensus meetings, involving representatives from Government, international organizations, professional associations, universities and NGO’s.
The success of this policy will ultimately depend on the processes that are put in place. Mental health promotion, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation will be based on self-empowerment, community and family support, use of existing resources, participation in decision-making and inclusion in community life.
“This policy will be an important document in determining the formal way of addressing mental health in the context of cost-effective service delivery” said Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Hamid, Director-cum-Professor (In Charge), National Institute of Mental Health.
Pushing forward with advocacy for mental health and improving awareness will be crucial to ensure that this policy fosters progress.