A growing global burden
More than one billion people around the world are now living with mental health conditions, according to a new report released on September 2, 2205, by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The findings reveal that anxiety and depression continue to drive a growing global burden, with access to treatment and services remaining far below demand — particularly in low-income countries.
The WHO’s World Mental Health Today and Mental Health Atlas 2024 report highlights urgent challenges as mental health disorders become the second leading cause of long-term disability globally. Despite limited progress on policy reforms and health service integration in some nations, the reports warn that investment and implementation remain inadequate, putting millions at risk and delaying global development goals.
Widening gap
According to the report, anxiety and depression remain the most prevalent mental health conditions worldwide, impacting all age groups and income levels. Suicide accounted for approximately 727,000 deaths in 2021, making it a leading cause of death among young people.
The global suicide rate is declining too slowly to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of a one-third reduction by 2030. At the current pace, only a 12% reduction is expected to be achieved.
WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the global mental health crisis “is one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.” He added, “Every government and every leader has a responsibility to act with urgency.”
The economic consequences are also severe. WHO estimates that anxiety and depression cost the global economy around $1 trillion annually due to lost productivity. While the direct costs of care are significant, indirect costs, such as unemployment, early retirement, and decreased work performance, pose a greater challenge, especially for developing economies.
Regional shortfalls
Across the Middle East and Africa, the picture is particularly concerning. In many countries, government health budgets allocate just 1–2% to mental health, and services remain hospital-based. In low-income countries, government spending on mental health is as low as US$0.04 per capita, compared to over US$65 in high-income countries.
The 2024 Mental Health Atlas notes that only 45% of countries have mental health legislation aligned with international human rights standards. Inpatient care still relies heavily on psychiatric hospitals, with 47% of global admissions involuntary and over 20% lasting longer than a year.
Although 71% of countries have begun integrating mental health into primary care, fewer than 10% have fully transitioned to community-based models of care. Access remains uneven, with fewer than 10% of people with psychosis in low-income countries receiving care, compared to over 50% in wealthier states.
The shortage of trained professionals also hampers progress. The global median is just 13 mental health workers per 100,000 people. This number falls dramatically in African and Middle Eastern nations, where services are often underfunded, understaffed, and centralised in urban areas.
Slow progress
While WHO acknowledges some improvement — such as the rise in countries offering mental health support during emergencies, from 39% in 2020 to over 80% today — the pace of reform is slow. Legal frameworks to protect patient rights and promote dignity in care remain limited in scope or poorly enforced.
The inclusion of tele-mental health services and school-based mental health programmes is increasing, but access is still heavily skewed by income level, geography, and infrastructure. Many countries still lack reliable data on treatment coverage and service utilisation, complicating efforts to allocate resources efficiently.
Ahead of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on non-communicable diseases and mental well-being, scheduled for September 25, 2025, in New York, the WHO has urged world leaders to scale up investments, adopt inclusive legislation, and shift towards community-based care.
Dr Dévora Kestel, Director of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Department, said, “Transforming mental health systems requires more than policies. It requires sustained funding, trained personnel, and a firm commitment to uphold the rights and dignity of all people.”
Call to action
The WHO’s latest report suggests that without significant and immediate reform, mental health systems will remain under-prepared for future challenges — including conflicts, pandemics, and climate-related stressors. For the Middle East and Africa, where youth populations are rapidly growing and unemployment rates remain high, the risks are compounded.
Mental health advocates in the region have long called for culturally relevant services, improved access in rural areas, and integration of mental health into schools and workplaces. However, funding constraints and social stigma continue to block progress.
With global attention focused on the September UN summit, the WHO is calling for governments to prioritise mental health through increased funding, enforcement of rights-based legislation, and a shift towards community-driven models of care. The report makes clear: mental health is no longer a marginal issue. It is central to global health and economic stability.
Image: The WHO is calling for governments to prioritise mental health through increased funding, enforcement of rights-based legislation, and a shift towards community-driven models of care. Credit: Anthony Tran
