WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY 2020

“Mental Health For All, Greater Investment-Greater Access. Everyone, Everywhere”

World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness in the global community about the critical mental health agenda – with a unifying voice through collaboration with various partners – to take action and to create lasting change through the messages we promote.

The world is experiencing the unprecedented impact of the current global health emergency due to COVID-19 that has also impacted on the mental health of millions of people. We know that the levels of anxiety, fear, isolation, social distancing and restrictions, uncertainty and emotional distress experienced have become widespread as the world struggles to bring the virus under control and to find solutions.

This bleak picture means that we must ensure that mental health is prioritised now more than ever before.

Thus, the drive for universal health coverage , as a key target in the sustainable development goal for good health and wellbeing, is motivated by the desire for health equity across the globe. Universal health coverage means that all people have access to the quality mental health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.

Mental health is a human right – it’s time that mental health is available for all. Quality, accessible health care is the foundation for universal health coverage and is urgently required as the world grapples with the current health emergency.

We therefore need to make mental health a reality for all – for everyone, everywhere.

References

World Federation for Mental Health

World Health Organization