Geneva: In 2021, more than 3 billion people worldwide were suffering from poor mental conditions, according to a recently published study.
According to media reports, the research was published in ‘The Lancet Neurology’ after which the WHO presented the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) review at the World Health Assembly.
After the publication of the report, the World Health Organization (WHO) has demanded immediate measures from the international community against the growing neurological conditions worldwide.
The study also states that 80 percent of deaths and illnesses caused by poor mental health occur in low- and middle-income countries, while access to treatment varies widely. The rate of professionals per 100,000 people in high-income countries is over 70 percent, while in low- and middle-income countries it is much lower.
WHO director of mental health and drugs, Devora Castel, told the World Health Assembly that countries need to improve the prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation of neurological disorders.
He further said that access to treatment should be the same for all on the basis of equity and quality. For this we need to invest in research into mental health risks, support for an effective workforce in the health sector, and more.
