WORLD: Ban Ki-Moon Calls for Scaling Up Resources for Mental Health Services

NEW YORK (United Nations), October 10, 2007: More than 60 per cent of people globally who suffer from mental disorders are not receiving treatment, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said today, urging an increase in resources devoted to mental health care. “We have a pressing obligation to scale up care and services for mental disorders, especially among the disadvantaged, while stepping up efforts to protect the human rights of those affected,” Mr. Ban said in his message on World Mental Health Day, observed each year on 10 October. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates most middle and low-income countries devote less than 1 per cent of their health expenditure to mental health. The agency defines mental health as a state of well-being in which individuals can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and is able to contribute to the community. Mental disorders comprise a wide range of problems with different symptoms but are generally characterized by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behaviour and relationships with others, says WHO. The impact of culture and diversity on mental health is theme of the day this year. “Dislocation from native communities, rejection by the host community and difficulties in adapting to the cultural norms of the host society are intensely stressful, and can contribute to mental illness in those who are vulnerable,” he stated. This makes it all the more important to develop “culturally competent mental health care services.” Resources for mental health are “scarce,” Mr. Ban said, adding that the treatment gap – the proportion of those who need but do not receive care – is more than 60 per cent. In addition, the rate of mental disorders and the need for care is highest among disadvantaged people, who are also the groups with the lowest access to appropriate services. The fear of stigma leads many to avoid seeking care, he added. Source: UN News Center, New York.