WHO advocacy strategy for mental health, brain health and substance use

Overview

Mental health, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions represent a major global health and development challenge. This document sets out WHO’s MNS advocacy priorities, outlining what needs to be advanced or changed, by WHO and through other stakeholders and mechanisms. It aims to support MNS stakeholders in various countries by providing a flexible approach that can be used to create tailored advocacy strategies that address their specific national contexts and needs. In support of the overall goal to enhance the recognition and position of MNS conditions as a global health priority and to galvanize national investment and action, four advocacy priorities have been identified: greater empowerment, social inclusion, and human rights protection for people with lived experience of MNS conditions; enhanced recognition, promotion and protection of mental and brain health over the life-course; increased access to essential interventions and care for MNS conditions delivered through primary health care and community-based service networks; timely preparation and response to emerging threats.