WHO Will Urge Inclusion for Mental Health Policy
The World Health Organisation will call for lived experience to shape future mental health service designs.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Mental Health
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Ahead of World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2026, the World Health Organisation is requesting that policymakers better integrate lived experience into mental health strategies. This push aims to address significant barriers to care, including widespread stigma and limited access to services.
Why it matters
Active participation from individuals with lived experience is essential for creating services that effectively counter discrimination and meet real-world patient needs. Current systemic challenges, such as severe underfunding and lack of integration, continue to prevent millions from receiving appropriate support.
Nearly 150 million people in the WHO African Region live with mental health, neurological, or substance use conditions. Only seven of the 47 countries in this region have successfully integrated mental health services into their primary healthcare systems.
The players
World Health Organisation
This is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health and coordinating global responses to health crises.
The details
The WHO Regional Director for Africa highlighted that stigma and discrimination are primary drivers hindering global mental health progress. Expanding inclusive policy development is intended to create a more responsive framework for addressing these diverse health conditions.
Timeline
World Mental Health Day will take place on October 10, 2026.
The Big Picture
The call for lived experience participation aligns with the long-term goals of the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme to scale up services for mental health disorders. This initiative shifts the focus toward patient-centered policy, extending the established framework to address modern gaps in global care delivery.
Increased inclusion of lived experience could lead to more accessible and less stigmatizing mental health services for individuals globally. Patients may eventually see changes in how primary healthcare providers design and deliver daily mental health support.
The takeaway
Effective mental health policy requires listening to the individuals who rely on those systems to ensure services are relevant and supportive. Addressing the funding gap in the African Region remains a critical hurdle for improving outcomes for millions of residents.
Further reading
For broader insights into global wellness initiatives, explore the Mental Health section.
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Should your local mental health services directly involve patients in policy and service design?
