MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLES 2001
54TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
Call for Act Health M on by World n sters MENTAL HEALTH A Call for Action by World Health Ministers MENTAL HEALTH: A A HEALTH: MENTAL
World Health Organization Geneva MINISTERIAL ROUND TABLES 2001
54TH WORLD HEALTH ASSEMBLY
MENTAL HEALTH
A Call for Action by World Health Ministers
Geneva © World Health Organization, 2001 This document is not a formal publication of the World Health Organization (WHO) and all rights are reserved by the Organization. The document may, however, be freely reviewed, abstracted, reproduced and translated, in part or in whole, but not for sale or for use in conjunction with commercial purposes. The views expressed in this document are solely the responsibility of the authors. Table of contents
5 Preface by Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director General WHO and ministers of health forge an alliance on mental health
9 Introduction by the coordinators of the round tables Mental health:World health ministers call for action
15 Background document
23 The state of the evidence: review papers 23 Mental health services and barriers to implementation 39 Socioeconomic factors and mental health 57 Stigmatization and human rights violations 73 Gender disparities in mental health
93 The discussions: summary records of statements by ministers
135 Report by the secretariat
141 Speech to the plenary A new beginning
145 Regional statements: renewing commitment to mental health Regional office for Africa Regional office for the Americas Regional office for the Eastern Mediterranean Regional office for Europe Regional office for South-East Asia Regional office for the Western Pacific
155 Epilogue by Benedetto Saraceno, Director, Department of mental health and substance dependance WHO’s response to the ministers call for action
159 Annex List of participants of the round tables
Preface
WHO and ministers of health forge an alliance on mental health
Gro Harlem Brundtland Director General World Health Organization Geneva MENTAL HEALTH: A CALL FOR ACTION
I have great pleasure in presenting this publi- stigmatization both of which represent a substantial cation which reflects our determined efforts hidden burden of mental illness.WHO and to put mental health right at the core of the Ministers of Health have concluded that this lack of global health and development agendas.We are in investment in mental health is now unacceptable. the process of building a significant movement for Over the years, we have followed the evolution of mental health which will allow us to make a lasting new knowledge and evidence.We now have a clear difference for the millions of people who expect picture of the burden of disease arising from men- that societies and policy makers devote as much tal disorders. In the World Health Report 2001 attention to mental problems as to physical illness- that we devote to mental health, we bring updated es.This has not been the case until now. In contrast figures which show that four of the ten leading to the dramatic improvements in physical health in causes of disability worldwide are neuropsychiatric most countries over the course of the past century disorders, accounting for 30.8% of total disability – in particular, unprecedented improvements in and 12.3% of the total burden of disease.This lat- mortality rates – the mental component of health ter figure is expected to rise to 15% by the year has in many places not improved. As many as 450 2020.The rise will be particularly sharp in devel- million people worldwide are estimated to be suf- oping countries primarily due to the projected fering at any given time from some kind of mental increase in the number of individuals entering the or brain disorder, including behavioural and sub- age of risk for these disorders and as a result of stance abuse disorders.This is an overwhelming social problems and unrest, including the rising figure considering that mental health is not only number of persons affected by violent conflicts, essential for individual well-being, but also essen- civil wars, displacements and disasters. If we take tial for enhancing human development including the example of depression which is currently economic growth and poverty reduction. ranked fourth among the 10 leading causes of the Unsurprisingly, it is this statement that was echoed global burden of disease, it is predicted that by the by many Ministers of Health during the Round year 2020, it will have jumped to second place. Tables. “There is no development without health Major depression is linked to suicide. Most people and no health without mental health.” who commit suicide are also clinically depressed. If we take suicide into account, then the already huge We know that one out of every four persons who burden associated with depression increases much turn to the health services for help is troubled by more. mental or behavioural disorders, which are not often correctly diagnosed and/or treated. And But there is good news also.Today we are in a bet- mental health care has simply not received until ter position to make use of the accumulated wealth now the level of visibility, commitment and of knowledge and the technologies that allow us resources that is warranted by the magnitude of more effectively to manage, treat and prevent a the mental health burden. Only a very small per- wide range of mental and neurological problems. centage of national health budgets in most coun- We have made huge strides in developing effective tries go to mental health. One consequence of this treatments for most of the mental disorders and inadequate attention is the “treatment gap” – the further improvements in treatments are likely gulf between the huge numbers who need treat- thanks to advances in the understanding of brain ment and the small minority who actually receive functioning and psychosocial factors.With the cur- it. More than 40% of countries have no mental rent treatments, most persons with mental, brain health policy and over 30% have no mental health or behavioural disorders can become functioning programme. Even countries that do have mental and productive members of the community and health policies often disappointingly neglect some live normal lives.We also have some effective pre- of the more vulnerable populations. For example, ventive approaches based on a better understand- over 90% of countries have no mental health poli- ing of the interrelation between the complex bio- cy that includes children and adolescents. In most logical, psychological and social determinants of countries, stigma and human rights violations of mental disorders. A number of demonstration pro- persons with mental illness are rampant. Few grammes in countries have provided evidence efforts are in place to address discrimination and based interventions for improved access and quali-
6 PREFACE ty of mental health care.This means ensuring that Political instability, violence especially against mental health services are incorporated in all levels women, natural disasters, armed conflicts, and the of health services, ranging from primary health HIV/AIDS crisis are seriously challenging the cop- care to support for families and other social servic- ing capacity of the affected populations. Managerial es. weakness in health systems persist. Most impor- tantly, the serious shortage of mental health WHO has a critical role to play in turning this resources, especially service providers, was noted knowledge into reality.Accordingly, I have made in many countries.There were large technical gaps mental health a priority programme of WHO. in countries regarding prevalence, diagnosis and This programme has set the stage for global mental treatment issues compounded by lack of knowl- health action through a combination of special edge about financing schemes, anti-stigma and leg- events taking place throughout 2001.These events islation issues as well as intersectoral collaboration aim to raise awareness of the nature and scope of in mental health. Ministers explored and clarified mental problems and the life circumstances of peo- the critical issues in these areas and outlined the ple suffering from them (World Health Day), gen- strategic steps required in resolving them.They erate political will for national action (World also identified what needs to be done by the inter- Health Assembly Ministerial Round Tables), and national community. disseminate the evidence and science related to prevention and care. (World Health Report 2001 All the messages and statements of Ministers are on Mental Health).These activities have been contained in various sections of this publication. instrumental in mobilizing interest and commit- They are reflections of a promise for a brighter ment for global and national action to redress the future for all the millions of people suffering from mental health status of populations around the mental disorders and the attendant discrimination. world. We look forward to working more intensely with countries, forging wholesome and sustainable part- The publication of this document is particularly nerships that will do justice to the Ministers call important because it brings together the back- for action.We will continue our efforts to become ground, the proceedings as well as the outcomes of more effective in providing technical support to the World Health Assembly’s Ministerial Round countries at a time when they seek to restructure Tables on Mental Health.The Round Tables were a and reform their mental health systems, generate historic occasion for Health Ministers from coun- policies and improve the provision of services and tries around the world to come together and treatment for all those who need them.That I review with their peers the major challenges they believe is not only our responsibility but also an face in the prevention, treatment and care of men- opportunity for reducing suffering, disability, tal problems.They engaged in open discussions on poverty, and premature death. the progress that had been made in dealing with the priority mental health problems in their coun- The time for action is now. I therefore invite politi- tries and acknowledged that this was not sufficient- cians, scientists, technicians, humanitarians, social ly consistent or widespread. A high level of politi- activists and programme managers in health to cal will was apparent along with growing aware- read this publication and build upon its messages ness of the need for change in policies and health for the improvement of mental health and well- systems. In some countries impressive efforts have being of all peoples. been made to expand mental health services through intersectoral partnerships. Some innova- tive approaches to reach vulnerable and under- served populations and to strengthen community- based care were noted. A number of factors how- ever restrain the implementation of national strate- gies. Rapid economic reforms and social change Gro Harlem Brundtland including economic transitions are bringing about Director General alarming rates of unemployment, family break- World Health Organization down, personal insecurity and income inequality.
7
Introduction
Mental health: World health ministers call for action
Coordinators of the round tables:
Meena Cabral de Mello Scientist Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence World Health Organization Geneva
Thomas Bornemann Senior Adviser Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence World Health Organization Geneva
Itzhak Levav Senior Adviser Ministry of Health Jerusalem, Israel MENTAL HEALTH: A CALL FOR ACTION
Background The discussions The sheer magnitude of the mental disorders The Executive Board of WHO in January and the huge social and economic burden 2001 approved the theme of mental health they place on families and communities war- for the Round Table Discussions at the 54th rant an urgent call for global and national mental World Health Assembly.Thus, four Ministerial health initiatives.This is doubly so since cost effec- Round Tables took place concurrently on May 15, tive interventions for the treatment and care of 2001 to discuss the broad perspectives on mental almost all people with mental disorders exist and health with special attention to four sub-themes can be implemented by all countries. A major chal- namely: Mental health services and barriers to lenge facing policy makers, however, is how to implementation; Mental health and socioeconomic increase access to quality mental health care that is factors; Stigmatization and human rights violations; anchored in the communities where people with and Gender disparities in mental health. mental illness live.
Many countries have initiated and/or are undergo- The purpose and objectives ing reforms of their mental health care systems, moving from traditional institutional care or sim- The Round Tables provided a forum for ply frank neglect, to care which is local, humane, health ministers to review jointly the major and unrestricted.Through an analysis of such coun- challenges they face in addressing mental try processes, precious lessons can be drawn to health problems in their countries and to engage in better inform policy and programme develop- a dialogue through which they shared information, ment. It is timely therefore that countries have the approaches, and opportunities for redressing the opportunity to examine together the evidence for situation.The objectives were to raise awareness of prevention, treatment and care so that they are in the urgent need to address the mental health bur- better position to develop effective action plans for den; to place mental health firmly on the national addressing the mental health problems in their and international health and development agendas; countries. and to generate political commitment for increas- ing support to mental health policies, legislation, The cumulative experience of developing mental programmes and services in all countries. health care across countries at various resource levels coupled with the new evidence emerging from scientific research, shows that actions to The participants address the mental health of populations have mul- tiple benefits.These include direct benefits of serv- Over 30 Ministers of Health participated in ices in decreasing the symptoms associated with each Round Table. (In a few cases senior mental disorders, reducing the overall burden of members of delegations were specifically these diseases by lowering mortality and disability, designated to represent the Ministers.) A balanced and, improving the functioning, productivity and mix of low, middle and high income countries with quality of life of affected people. different political and health systems, priorities and level of resources for mental health was achieved At the global level, the benefits of mental health in each group. Four Ministers elected by the World interventions for decreasing the burden are sub- Health Assembly served as Chairpersons.They stantial. Mental disorders account for about 160 were: Mr Phillip Goddard of Barbados; Mr Lyonpo million lost years of healthy life. Of this at least Sangay Ngedup of Bhutan; Mrs Annette King of 30% can be easily averted with existing interven- New Zealand; and Prof. M. Eyad Chatty of the tions. For example, the disability associated with Syrian Arab Republic (see annex for a complete list depressive disorders in a community could be of participants by round table). reduced to half with adequate care.
10 INTRODUCTION