Integrating the impacts of climate change to improve mental health services: WHO

Bali [Indonesia], August 20 : The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the growing impact of climate change on mental health and psychosocial well-being, urging Southeast Asian countries to enhance their mental health systems and services to tackle this issue.

Saima Wazed, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia, addressed the regional workshop on "Strengthening the capacity of countries to address the impact of climate change on mental health," held from August 12 to 14. She emphasized that climate change intensifies various social, environmental, and economic risks to mental health, with the South-East Asia region being particularly vulnerable.

Wazed pointed out significant gaps between mental health needs and the availability of mental health systems and services. The increase in mental health and psychosocial issues due to climate change is adding pressure to the health system. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts between climate and mental health officials from member states to address and mitigate these impacts effectively.

The Regional Director noted that the mental health situation in the region is already challenging, with approximately 260 million people living with mental health conditions and over 200,000 suicides annually.

Wazed outlined five key WHO strategies for enhancing mental health in the context of climate change:
1. Integrating climate change considerations into mental health policies and programs, including mental health and psychosocial support systems (MHPSS), to improve preparedness and response.
2. Incorporating MHPSS into climate change and health policies and programs.
3. Building on global commitments to mental health and climate change.
4. Employing multi-sectoral and community-based approaches to reduce vulnerabilities and address mental health impacts.
5. Addressing substantial funding gaps for both mental health and climate-related health impacts.

The WHO's Action Plan for Mental Health in the South-East Asia Region aims to expand and strengthen community mental health services and update policies and laws to align with international human rights standards. This plan also includes strengthening leadership and governance for mental health.

In 2017, the WHO South-East Asia Region adopted the Male Declaration and Framework for action to build health systems resilience to climate change, recognizing the need for adequate resources to address these challenges. In 2022, the Paro Declaration was endorsed, committing to universal access to people-centered mental health care, establishing community mental health networks, deinstitutionalizing care for severe mental disorders, and combating stigma and discrimination.

Since taking office on February 1, 2024, Wazed has focused on empowering individuals and communities to adopt a comprehensive approach to health and well-being, promoting effective and people-centered health systems that address local realities and needs.