WHO reports 93% of countries faced mental health service disruptions during pandemic

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 93% of countries have faced disruptions to critical mental health services due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the need for these services continues to rise. The findings, drawn from a survey of 130 countries, highlight the urgent need for increased funding and support for mental health initiatives as the world grapples with the ongoing effects of the pandemic.

This survey comes in the lead-up to WHO’s Big Event for Mental Health, scheduled for October 10. The global online advocacy event will feature world leaders, celebrities, and mental health advocates, all calling for heightened investments in mental health programs that have been severely impacted by COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, mental health services were already underfunded, with countries allocating less than 2% of their health budgets to address mental health needs.

The pandemic has intensified the demand for mental health support, with factors such as bereavement, isolation, and economic uncertainty exacerbating existing mental health issues. Increased levels of substance abuse, insomnia, and anxiety are reported among the population, while COVID-19 itself has been linked to neurological and mental complications. Vulnerable groups, including those with pre-existing mental health conditions, face a heightened risk of severe outcomes from the virus.

In response to the disruptions, many countries have turned to telemedicine and teletherapy, with 70% reporting the adoption of these methods. However, access remains uneven; over 80% of high-income countries have successfully implemented these services, compared to less than 50% in low-income nations. WHO has provided guidance to ensure that mental health services are maintained during the pandemic and urges countries to include mental health as a critical part of their response and recovery plans.