Dr Andrea Bruni, the mental health regional advisor at the WHO South-East Asia Regional Office, discussed the latest WHO materials related to mental health policy and strategic action plans. The new guidance emphasizes a rights-based, person-centered, recovery-oriented, and community services approach, highlighting the importance of community services.
Dr Bruni pointed out the shift towards community-based services, empowerment, inclusion, and the need to address social and structural factors such as loneliness, inequalities, and discrimination. He stressed the necessity of integrating mental health with key government sectors, including education, housing, social protection, and employment, to tackle mental health issues beyond the health sector.
Additionally, Dr Bruni addressed pressing issues in mental health, such as:
- Institutionalization
- Lack of access to community services
- Coercive practices
- Denial of legal capacity
- Stigma and discrimination
- Overemphasis on diagnosis and medication
Recording:
Access the new WHO Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans - just launched.