Mental Health Neglect Threatens Billions, Warns WHO

APP/AFP

Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a worsening global mental health crisis, revealing that more than 3 billion people worldwide are currently living with neurological and mental health disorders. The agency said millions of these cases result in death each year due to inadequate treatment and limited access to proper care.

According to the WHO’s latest report, over 11 million deaths occur annually as a result of mental and neurological conditions, underscoring the urgent need for stronger global health interventions.

Despite the scale of the problem, only 63 countries have adopted national policies for neurological diseases, and merely 34 nations allocate specific funding to address them. WHO officials said the figures expose a critical gap in global health priorities and call for coordinated international action to strengthen mental health care and research.

Unequal Access to Care

The report noted that while mental and neurological disorders can often be diagnosed and treated effectively, millions—particularly in low-income and rural communities—remain without access to essential services.

The WHO highlighted that barriers such as limited healthcare infrastructure, poverty, and social stigma prevent many from seeking or receiving treatment. The agency emphasized that timely diagnosis and intervention could save countless lives and improve the wellbeing of millions.

‘Urgent Action Needed,’ Says WHO Official

WHO Assistant Director-General Jeremy Farrar expressed deep concern over the findings, stating that “more than a third of people worldwide are facing mental health problems, and we must do everything possible to ensure their wellbeing.”

Farrar said the lack of investment in research, healthcare systems, and trained professionals, particularly in low-income countries, is widening the global treatment gap.

He noted that the number of neurologists in poorer nations is 80 times lower than in wealthier countries, leaving millions without critical neurological care and deepening the global mental health burden.

WHO’s Call to Governments

The WHO urged governments to take evidence-based, coordinated action to scale up mental health services, expand access to care, and make mental health a policy and funding priority across all national health systems.

“The time for rhetoric is over,” the agency said. “Addressing the mental health crisis requires urgent global solidarity, investment, and leadership.”