WHO: People with mental illnesses neglected in development, poverty programs

From Top News in Singapore:

As per the report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) people suffering from mental or psychological illnesses hugely lack access to any kind of mental health treatment and are neglected by the majority of development and poverty programs. The report was released on Sept. 16.

As many as 75 to 85 percent people suffering from mental illnesses don’t have access to basic health treatment and have shortage of educational and vocational opportunities along with association with rates of unemployment as high as 90 percent.

Dr. Ala Alwan, assistant director general for non-communicable diseases and mental health department at the WHO, told reporters here, “People with mental health problems are neglected, experience extensive stigma and discrimination and are denied opportunities to participate in society.”

As per the report, mental health illnesses largely cause mortality and disability and account for 8.8 percent and 16.6 percent of the total burden of disease due to health conditions in low and middle-income countries.

Dr Alwan urged countries and developed communities to put in a joint effort in involving these people more directly in development programs.