The World Health Organization and UNICEF have released a new guidance to make mental health services more accessible and affordable for children and young people, addressing the urgent need for early intervention.
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| A comprehensive guide by WHO and UNICEF outlines strategies to improve mental health care access for children and adolescents, addressing the alarming prevalence of mental health conditions among this age group. Image Courtesy: WHO/ Faizza Tanggol |
Geneva, Switzerland - October 9, 2024:
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF released a comprehensive guidance to transform mental health services for children and young people. The report highlights the alarming prevalence of mental health conditions among this age group and the urgent need for accessible and affordable care.
According to the guidance, approximately 1 in 7 children and adolescents aged 10 to 19 are affected by mental health issues, with anxiety, depression, and behavioral disorders being among the most common. The report emphasizes the critical importance of early intervention, as half of all mental health conditions emerge before the age of 18.
Despite the growing need, access to mental health services for children and young people remains inadequate. Systemic barriers such as low service availability, high costs, and stigma prevent many from seeking help. The guidance underscores the scarcity of public funding and human resources allocated to mental health services, particularly those aimed at children and adolescents, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
Dévora Kestel, Director of Mental Health at WHO, emphasized the necessity of taking immediate action. "We must ensure that evidence-based and age-appropriate interventions are available and affordable for all," she stated. "Every country, regardless of its circumstances, can do something to significantly improve the mental health of its children, young people, and their families."
The guidance outlines various models for quality mental health care services, drawing from examples from around the world. It emphasizes the importance of community-based approaches involving general practitioners, nurses, mental health teams, and other stakeholders. The report also calls for the phasing out of institutional care for children with mental health conditions, advocating for family-based and community-based services that promote their well-being and human rights.
Fouzia Shafique, Associate Director of Health at UNICEF, stressed the need for a comprehensive approach. "Mental health and well-being of children, adolescents, and their families cannot be addressed in isolation," she said. "We must integrate health, education, social protection, and community support systems to build a comprehensive network of mental health services for young people."
The guidance offers a roadmap for countries to improve their mental health care services. It addresses key domains such as standards of care, workforce development, collaborative care practices, and informed decision-making. By addressing these barriers, countries can significantly enhance mental health outcomes for children and young people.