Ukraine and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with a group of 12 WHO Member States, have initiated a draft resolution “Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support before, during and after armed conflicts, natural and human-caused disasters and health and other emergencies”.

The resolution aims to strengthen prevention, promotion, protection and assistance related to mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies.

“Against the backdrop of an unprecedented number of humanitarian crises around the world – whether caused by armed conflicts, natural and man-made disasters, medical and other emergencies – mental health promotion and psychosocial support are extremely important for promoting the right to a high standard of health,” said First Deputy Minister of Health Serhii Dubrov in his speech at the 154th WHO session in Geneva.

Unmet mental and psychosocial needs also have far-reaching and long-term negative human, social and economic consequences that affect individuals, communities and society as a whole.

To improve global mental health, the WHO Secretariat has developed a Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030, which sets out clear actions for Member States, the WHO Secretariat and international, regional and national partners to promote mental health and well-being.

The resolution is expected to be jointly finalised and adopted by consensus at the 77th World Health Assembly in May this year.