Mental Health Policy and Plans : Promoting an Optimal Mix of Services in Developing Countries

The World Health Report 2001 makes a compelling case for addressing the mental health needs of populations around the world. The key messages of the report are that mental disorders account for a significant burden of disease in all societies; effective interventions are available but are not accessible to the majority of the people who need them; and a comprehensive mental health policy is an important tool in increasing the accessibility of effective services. When properly formulated and implemented, a mental health policy can have a positive impact on the mental health of the population. Service organization forms one of the most important areas of a mental health policy and plan. In order to deliver a high standard of mental health treatment and care it is necessary to adopt an integrated system of service delivery that comprehensively addresses the full range of psychosocial needs of people with mental disorders. The World Health Organization Mental Health Policy and Service Development project commenced in 2000 and covers four main areas: the development of normative technical documents on mental health policy and service development; provision of training forums for policy makers and mental health professionals; direct country assistance; and the development of a faculty of consultants.