WHO and Lions Clubs Partner to Expand Mental Health Services in Jordan and Nepal.
Geneva:
The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) have signed a three-year partnership agreement to expand access to mental health services in Jordan and Nepal, addressing major gaps in care for people living with mental, neurological and substance use conditions.
The partnership will be implemented as part of the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health and will run through the end of 2028. It aims to strengthen access to quality mental health care, increase awareness, reduce stigma and encourage people experiencing mental health challenges to seek support.
WHO said more than 1 billion people worldwide live with a mental health condition, while access to appropriate care remains extremely limited in many countries. In some countries, the treatment gap for people with mental health conditions can exceed 95 per cent.
The partnership brings together WHO’s technical expertise and the Lions Clubs’ global and community-level reach to strengthen mental health services and promote greater understanding of mental health needs.
Expanding services in Jordan
In East Amman, the initiative will expand access to mental health care through the establishment of counselling services in collaboration with the Friends of Cancer Patients Association.
The programme will also support the delivery of acute secondary mental health care for both children and adults at Al Basheer Hospital.
The initiative is expected to improve access to services for people who may otherwise face significant barriers to obtaining mental health support, while strengthening the capacity of existing healthcare services.
Mental health support to expand in Nepal
In Nepal, the partnership will establish psychosocial support mental health corners in 10 district hospitals.
The programme will also focus on improving mental health among young people through implementation of the National Implementation Framework on School Mental Health, which has been endorsed by the Nepal government.
The focus on schools and district-level health facilities is intended to bring mental health support closer to communities and strengthen early identification and assistance for people experiencing mental health difficulties.
Tackling stigma and treatment gaps
The organisations said the partnership will also work to raise awareness about mental health and encourage people to seek help when they need it.
A.P. Singh, LCIF Chairperson, said Lions Clubs International has identified mental health as one of its global initiatives and highlighted the organisation’s efforts to reduce stigma, increase awareness and expand access to care in communities around the world.
Dr Mark van Ommeren, Head of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, said the treatment gap for people living with mental health conditions remains extremely high in some countries.
He described the partnership between Lions Clubs International and the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health as an example of organisations working together toward common goals in expanding mental health care.
Partnership to continue through 2028
The three-year initiative will continue until the end of 2028. As part of the programme, the partners will document the stories and experiences of people who use the services throughout its implementation.
WHO and LCIF said these experiences will help capture the impact of the partnership while supporting efforts to improve mental health services and access to care.
The initiative reflects growing international efforts to integrate mental health into health systems and make services more accessible at community level, particularly in settings where large numbers of people remain without adequate treatment and support.
