The WHO Global Programme on Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders are prevalent in all regions of the world and are major contributors to morbidity and premature mortality. The stigma and violations of human rights directed towards people with these disorders compounds the problem. The resources that have been provided to tackle the huge burden of MNS disorders are insufficient, inequitably distributed, and inefficiently used, which leads to a treatment gap of more than 75% in many countries with low and lower middle incomes. WHO has recognized the need for action to reduce the burden of MNS disorders worldwide, and to enhance the capacity of Member States to respond to this growing challenge. In 2001, national and international institutions and organizations, the public health community, and other stakeholders were reminded of the issue of mental health (World Health Day, World Health Assembly, and World Health Report ). The WHO Mental Health Global Action Programme (mhGAP) followed from these events to provide a coherent strategy for closing the gap between what is urgently needed and what is available to reduce the burden of mental disorders worldwide. The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) provides a coherent strategy for closing the gap between what is urgently needed and what is available to reinforce the commitment of governments, international organizations, and other stakeholders to increase the allocation of financial and human resources for care of mental disorders;  to achieve much higher coverage with key interventions in the countries with low and lower middle incomes that have a large proportion of the global burden of mental disorders;  and to promote the human rights of people suffering from mental disorders through innovative policies and service organizations.