In 2021, Nepal joined the World Health Organization’s Special Initiative for Mental Health, a commitment to bring mental health care within reach for everyone. The initiative has supported the Government of Nepal to develop policies, strengthen governance structures, expand service delivery and engage communities.
One of the most significant milestones has been integrating mental health care into primary health services. Through WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), thousands of health workers – from paramedics to nurses – have been trained in the assessment, management, and referral of common mental, neurological and substance abuse disorders. As a result, mental health services are now available in dozens of health posts and municipal primary care centers, bringing care closer to home for millions.
While challenges remain, particularly with regards to scaling services to all 77 districts and sustaining resources, the Special Initiative has been crucial in helping Nepal close the treatment gap, build a skilled workforce and foster collaboration between health systems, policymakers, communities and the people they serve.
This photo story captures the human side of that transformation. It represents some of the individuals whose lives have been touched by better access to care, renewed hope and the promise of a healthier future.
/countries/nepal/(student)-parusa-bidari-simh-campaign-rautahat-13.jpg?sfvrsn=c106ae0a_3 "(Student) Parusa Bidari SIMH Campaign Rautahat 13")
Read Parusha's story
/countries/nepal/tirtha-bahadur-shahi-simh-campaign(4).jpg?sfvrsn=343e3c32_5 "Tirtha Bahadur Shahi SIMH CAMPAIGN(4)")
Read Tirtha's and Sajana's story
/countries/nepal/dr-pomawati-thapa-simh-campaign-3.jpg?sfvrsn=cb272ffa_3 "Dr Pomawati Thapa SIMH Campaign 3")
/countries/nepal/amar-koirala-simh-camp6.jpg?sfvrsn=c85a955e_3 "Amar Koirala SIMH Camp6")
/countries/nepal/sharmila-gautam-simh-campaign2.jpg?sfvrsn=bc32fa79_3 "Sharmila Gautam SIMH Campaign2")
/countries/nepal/neesha-koirala-simh-campaign-rautahat-health-nurse-16.jpg?sfvrsn=ed8a6775_3 "Neesha Koirala SIMH Campaign Rautahat Health Nurse 16")
/countries/nepal/ganesh-rai-(simh-camp)5.jpg?sfvrsn=33259502_3 "Ganesh Rai (SIMH CAMP)5")