UN Secretary-General Calls for Shift to Community-Centred Mental Health Care

In a message marking World Mental Health Day on 10 October, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres urged governments worldwide to transition from institutional mental health services toward community-centred care and to include individuals with lived experience in policy decisions.

The theme for this year's observance, "Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change," underscores that individuals experiencing mental health challenges are frequently excluded from decisions regarding their care, according to Guterres. He stated that their insights are necessary for developing effective policies and support services, particularly for young people dealing with economic challenges, climate anxiety, and online harms, as well as individuals affected by conflict and humanitarian crises.

Guterres noted that more than 80 per cent of countries currently deliver mental health services within psychiatric hospitals. However, he stated that individuals often prefer to recover within their homes and communities, where evidence indicates better healing outcomes.

The Secretary-General called on governments to invest in community-based care and ensure patients have access to housing, education, employment, and social support. He also emphasized the need to reduce stigma and establish mental health systems grounded in dignity and human rights.

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