Today people are experiencing a profound impact of a global health emergency due to COVID-19 which has also had an adverse effect on the mental health of millions of people. All around us we see levels of anxiety, fear, isolation, social distancing and restrictions, uncertainty and emotional distress experienced become widespread as we all strive to curtail the spread of the virus.

About 450 million people live with mental disorders that are among the leading causes of ill-health and disability worldwide (WHO’s World Health Report, 2001). One person in every four will be affected by a mental disorder at some stage of their lives while mental, neurological and substance use disorders exact a high toll on health outcomes, accounting for 13% of the total global burden of disease (WHO, 2012). The World Health Organization (2018) states that every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide. Annually, this represents over 800 000 people that die by suicide, which is more than people dying by war and homicide put together. For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide every year. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds while 79% of global suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization stated:

“The world is accepting the concept of universal health coverage. Mental health must be an integral part of UHC. Nobody should be denied access to mental health care because she or he is poor or lives in a remote place.”

Mental health is a human right and we all need to work to make it a reality for everyone.

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