WHO announces 5 themes for improved mental health – The World Health Organization (WHO) has published a report titled “Mental Health of Refugees and migrants, risk, Protective Factors, and Access to Care.”
The organization detailed the most recent research on the primary variables affecting the mental health of refugees and migrants and their access to care in a statement on Tuesday.
WHO Announces 5 Themes for Improved Mental Health
It was identified as being the fifth report of the Global Evidence Review on Health and Migration (GEHM).
“Around one in eight people globally live with a mental health condition.
” Refugees and migrants are particularly vulnerable, as they can be exposed to various stress factors and challenges, which affect their mental health and well-being both during their journeys and on arrival.
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“The prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) tends to be higher among migrants and refugees than among host populations.
“Girls and women on the move have a higher risk of depression and anxiety,” it said.
Good mental health and well-being are rights that should be enjoyed by everyone, including refugees and migrants, according to Dr. Santino Severoni, Director of the WHO’s Department of Health and Migration.
According to Severoni, the report will strengthen and support health systems’ responsiveness to the mental health needs of migrants and refugees.
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According to him, the report would make it possible for individuals to access high-quality mental health care and assistance in methods that are convenient, agreeable, and inexpensive.
The paper outlined five important issues to be addressed in order to improve refugee and migrant populations’ access to mental health care. It summarized several risk factors and barriers that these groups encounter.
“Community support: Evidence shows that being part of a community with a shared background and attending school are associated with lower rates of mental disorders.
“Basic needs and security. For example, an insecure legal status can contribute to poor mental health.
“Stigma: experiences of racism and discrimination are consistently associated with adverse mental health outcomes.
“Adversity and trauma. For example, extended detention is associated with increased rates of depression and PTSD.
“Access to services. Refugees and migrants often do not prioritize their mental health because they are not aware of the services available free of charge or do not accept health care due to language barriers and concerns around confidentiality.
“Refugees and migrants face many unique stressors and challenges,” it said.
The research outlines the critical need for strong policies and legislation built in better health systems to fulfill the mental health care requirements of refugees and migrants, according to Mrs. Dévora Kestel, WHO Director for Mental Health and Substance Use.
Based on the review’s findings, she said, governments must take immediate action.
” GEHM puts forward a series of actions for consideration by governments, policymakers, and program managers in Ministries of Health and other ministries, cutting across all the five thematic areas outlined:
“Promote refugees’ and migrants’ participation in society and reduce discrimination by adopting refugee- and migrant-sensitive mental health policies.
“Address the non-medical factors that impact mental health in migration policies and prioritize basic needs, such as food, housing, safety, and education or employment.
“This means, for example, using settings other than detention facilities to assess the health status of refugees and migrants,” it said.
According to the statement, health professionals would receive training to identify and manage mental health issues in migrants and refugees as well as build the capacity of other pertinent experts.
The trained personnel would also recognize and assist persons who have mental health concerns, according to the statement.
This is a big addition to the global contributions of other bodies toward mental health and we are sure the results will be positive.
