Geneva – Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning, revealing that more than 1 billion individuals worldwide are currently living with mental health conditions, including anxiety and depression. This marks a significant global health crisis, with profound human and economic implications.
According to WHO reports, mental health disorders are now the second leading cause of long-term disability globally. Despite the widespread prevalence, mental health services remain severely underfunded, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where the majority of affected individuals reside.
The economic toll is equally concerning, with mental health conditions contributing to an estimated annual loss of €850 billion due to decreased productivity. Alarmingly, only 2% of national health budgets are allocated to mental health care, and in many regions, there is fewer than one mental health professional per 100,000 people.
WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that transforming mental health services is one of the most pressing public health challenges. He called for immediate reforms, increased investment, and a shift towards community-based care models to address the growing crisis.
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