The Alarming Rise of Mental Health Conditions: A Global Call to Action

The Alarming Rise of Mental Health Conditions: A Global Call to Action

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on the growing mental health crisis, warning that nearly 1 billion people worldwide face mental health conditions. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for governments to take decisive action to address this pressing issue.

Mental health conditions are not only a personal tragedy but also have significant social and economic costs. According to WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, these conditions can cut lives short, rob families of loved ones, and incur substantial costs for health systems and economies.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, are among the top 10 causes of death globally. The WHO notes that NCDs and mental health conditions are closely linked, with many NCDs contributing to mental health issues.

A Growing Concern
Suicide is a major concern, particularly among young people. The WHO reports that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds globally, with 73% of cases occurring in low- and middle-income countries. In Nigeria, for example, the suicide mortality rate stood at 3.5 per 100,000 people in January 2024, translating to approximately 15,000 annual deaths from suicide.

The WHO is calling on governments to take bold action to address the mental health crisis. Investing in NCD prevention and mental health care is not only a moral imperative but also a smart economic decision. By acting decisively, countries can save millions of lives, protect families, cut health costs, and unlock economic growth.

The WHO has set ambitious global targets for 2030, including:
Reducing tobacco use:by 150 million
Expanding access to mental health care:for 150 million people
Controlling hypertension: for 150 million peopleThe mental health crisis is a pressing global issue that requires immediate attention and action. By working together, governments, healthcare professionals, and individuals can make a significant difference in the lives of millions of people worldwide. The WHO’s High-Level Meeting on Noncommunicable Diseases and Mental Health, scheduled for September 25, is a crucial step towards shaping international cooperation and scaling up mental health support over the next decade .