Under the slogan “Make mental health a priority for all”, World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 1 each year, and in our world today, about one billion people suffer from a mental health problem, but it remains one of the most neglected aspects of health care, In some countries, there are only two mental health workers per 100,000 people.
The World Health Organization stressed that World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to re-intensify efforts to protect and improve mental health.
She noted that before the outbreak of the pandemic in 2019, it was estimated that one in eight people globally had a mental disorder.
At the same time, available mental health services, skills and financing remain in short supply, and far below what is needed, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
In its statement, the organization said that growing social and economic inequalities, protracted conflicts, violence and public health emergencies all affect entire populations, threatening progress towards improving well-being; 84 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide during 2021.
In the statement, the UN agency added that, moreover, stigma and discrimination continue to constitute an obstacle to social inclusion and access to appropriate care; “More importantly, we can all play our part in raising awareness about preventive interventions in mental health, and World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to do so collectively.”
The World Health Organization confirmed that it will work with partners to launch a campaign on the topic of making mental health and well-being for all a global priority.
“This will be an opportunity for people with mental health conditions, advocates, governments, employers, employees and other stakeholders to come together and learn about progress in this area and speak out about what we need to do to ensure mental health and wellbeing becomes a global priority for all. “