Letter From The Executive Board
Greetings delegates!
It gives us immense pleasure to welcome you to the World Health Organisation being simulated
at CENMUN’24. We hope that your research is well on its way and you have formulated an idea
about what, how, why, and when you want to discuss something. These questions form the very
basis of the flow of debate and argumentation in the committee. This background guide will give
you an overview of the topic at hand and the work of the Committee, but in no way should it be
the end of your research. It contains some basic elements to serve as a starting point which will
guide your research.
We expect all delegates to have an active participation in the proceedings of this committee to
have a fruitful discussion. For that purpose, extensive and thorough research, and analysis is
expected of you over and beyond this study guide. Your research should always answer “What” ,
“Why” , “How” and “When”. A common mistake delegates make is simply quoting facts and
figures (which can also be found on the internet), and making a logical premise out of it. Try to
link these facts and figures and then direct your research.
We are certain that we will be learning from you immensely and also hope that you all will have
an equally enriching experience. We look forward to an exciting and interesting committee,
which should certainly be helped by the all-pervasive nature of the issue. In case of any queries
feel free to contact us, and we will try our best to answer the questions to the best of our abilities.
All the best!
Chairperson Vice-Chairperson
Aman Kotecha Pranav Deshpande
INTRODUCTION TO THE AGENDA
Mental health has long been a neglected area of global health, yet it is increasingly recognized as a
critical component of overall well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines mental
health as a state of well-being in which individuals realize their own potential, can cope with normal
stresses of life, can work productively, and are able to contribute to their community. However, this
ideal state of mental well-being remains out of reach for millions worldwide, leading to profound
individual, societal, and economic consequences.
Global Mental Health Crisis
The burden of mental health disorders has reached alarming levels globally. As of 2019,
approximately 970 million people were living with mental or substance use disorders, with
depression and anxiety being the most prevalent. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has
exacerbated mental health challenges, leading to a surge in cases of anxiety, depression, and
stress-related disorders. Lockdowns, economic uncertainty, isolation, and fear of illness have
intensified these issues, revealing the fragility of mental health systems worldwide.
Despite the high prevalence of mental health disorders, significant barriers continue to hinder the
adequate delivery of care. Many individuals suffering from mental health conditions lack access to
appropriate treatment due to factors such as stigma, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and limited
funding for mental health services. In low- and middle-income countries, the treatment gap is
especially stark, with over 75% of people with mental health conditions receiving no treatment at all.
The Socio-Economic Impact of Mental Health
Mental health disorders are not only a health issue but also a socio-economic challenge. Poor
mental health can reduce productivity, increase absenteeism in the workplace, and burden
healthcare systems with the added costs of untreated mental health conditions. The World Economic
Forum estimates that mental health disorders could cost the global economy up to $16 trillion
between 2010 and 2030 due to lost productivity, healthcare costs, and social welfare programs.
Moreover, mental health problems contribute significantly to cycles of poverty, particularly in regions
where access to care is severely limited.
Cultural Barriers and Stigma
Stigma remains one of the greatest barriers to addressing mental health issues. In many cultures,
mental health disorders are viewed as a source of shame or weakness, preventing individuals from
seeking help. This stigma not only affects individuals but also influences public policies, with mental
health services often receiving less attention and fewer resources compared to other healthcare
areas. For example, in some countries, mental health spending accounts for less than 1% of the
national healthcare budget.
The Role of WHO and International Cooperation
The World Health Organization has been a leading voice in raising awareness about the importance
of mental health. WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, extended to
2030, emphasizes the need to provide universal access to mental health care, promote mental
well-being, and reduce the mortality, morbidity, and disability associated with mental health
conditions. Through this agenda, WHO aims to integrate mental health into broader public health
systems and encourage international cooperation in addressing the mental health crisis.
However, significant challenges remain. Global disparities in access to mental health care, the lack
of trained professionals, and cultural resistance to mental health interventions make it difficult to
address the issue comprehensively. Delegates are tasked with developing innovative and practical
solutions that will not only improve mental health care but also break down the barriers that prevent
individuals from seeking help.
Purpose of the Agenda
This committee aims to address the following key issues:
• Understanding the global scope of mental health issues and identifying the most pressing
challenges faced by different countries and regions.
• Examining the implications of poor mental health on individuals, families, communities, and
economies.
• Exploring potential solutions, including policy reforms, healthcare integration, and international
cooperation, to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma.
As the world continues to confront complex global health challenges, it is essential that mental
health is prioritized alongside physical health. By addressing mental health issues head-on,
countries can improve the well-being of their populations, enhance productivity, and foster healthier,
more resilient societies.
Key Definitions
Mental Health
Mental health is a state of well-being where individuals can realize their potential, cope with the
normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. It involves emotional,
psychological, and social well-being, influencing how individuals handle stress, relate to others, and
make decisions. Good mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness; it encompasses
a person’s overall ability to function and thrive in daily life.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental health disorders refer to a variety of conditions that affect a person’s mood, thinking, and
behavior. These disorders can range from mild to severe and may significantly impact daily
functioning. Common categories include:
• Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of
emotional and physical symptoms that can impair a person’s ability to function.
• Anxiety Disorders: Include conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and
social anxiety, where excessive worry or fear leads to physical and emotional symptoms that affect
daily life.
• Bipolar Disorder: Marked by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (high energy,
impulsive behavior) and depression (low energy, hopelessness).
• Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves,
often leading to delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
These disorders can vary widely in severity and may require different forms of treatment and
support.
Stigma
Stigma around mental health refers to the negative attitudes and beliefs that lead to discrimination
and social exclusion of individuals with mental health conditions. Many cultures view mental health
issues as a weakness or character flaw, which discourages open discussion and prevents
individuals from seeking help. This stigma can lead to isolation, shame, and delayed treatment,
making it harder for people to recover or manage their conditions. The stigma also affects public
policy, often resulting in underfunding of mental health services.
Well-being and Quality of Life
Mental health is integral to overall well-being and quality of life. Well-being refers to a positive state
of mental, emotional, and physical health, where individuals are able to lead fulfilling lives, engage
meaningfully in relationships, and work productively. Poor mental health diminishes quality of life,
affecting an individual’s ability to participate in daily activities, maintain relationships, and perform at
work or school. On a broader scale, poor mental health has societal impacts, contributing to lower
productivity, increased healthcare costs, and social challenges such as poverty and unemployment.
Promoting mental health is crucial for individual happiness and societal progress.
Current Global Mental Health Situation
Statistics
Mental health disorders are a significant global public health issue, affecting millions of people
worldwide. Some key statistics include:
• Depression affects approximately 280 million people globally, making it one of the leading causes
of disability worldwide.
• Anxiety disorders impact about 264 million people, often co-occurring with depression and other
mental health issues.
• Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among individuals aged 15-29, with nearly 800,000
people dying by suicide each year.
• Around 1 in 5 people in post-conflict settings suffer from a mental health condition, including
depression, anxiety, or PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
• Mental health and substance use disorders are the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years
(DALYs) worldwide, particularly in middle-income countries.
Despite the high prevalence of these conditions, many individuals do not receive the necessary
treatment, particularly in low-resource settings.
Impact of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global mental health, exacerbating existing
mental health challenges and creating new ones. The stress of lockdowns, social isolation,
economic uncertainties, and fear of illness have triggered an increase in anxiety, depression, and
stress-related disorders.
• Frontline healthcare workers, people with pre-existing mental health conditions, and those in
isolation have been particularly vulnerable.
• Reports of sleep disturbances, substance abuse, and domestic violence have also increased
during the pandemic.
• The pandemic has strained mental health services, which were already underfunded and
understaffed in many regions. As a result, many individuals faced barriers to accessing care,
including reduced availability of services and disruptions in treatment.
Globally, there has been a greater recognition of the importance of mental health during and after the
pandemic, but the demand for mental health services continues to outpace supply, particularly in
low-resource settings.
Regional Variations
Access to mental health care varies significantly across regions, with low- and middle-income
countries facing the greatest challenges.
• In high-income countries, mental health services are more accessible, though still underfunded.
There is generally better infrastructure and a higher availability of mental health professionals, yet
stigma and affordability still create barriers for many.
• In low- and middle-income countries, the situation is far more severe. These regions often have
fewer than one mental health professional per 100,000 people, and many countries allocate less
than 1% of their healthcare budgets to mental health.
• For instance, in sub-Saharan Africa, mental health services are extremely limited, and the
treatment gap for mental disorders can be as high as 90%.
• In South Asia, mental health issues are heavily stigmatized, leading to delayed treatment and
higher rates of untreated mental illness.
• In conflict-affected areas, mental health needs are particularly high, but access to care is often
nonexistent due to the destruction of healthcare infrastructure and lack of trained professionals.
Challenges and Implications
Stigma and Discrimination
One of the most significant barriers to addressing mental health issues globally is the cultural and
social stigma associated with mental illness. In many cultures, mental health disorders are seen as a
sign of personal weakness or moral failing, leading to discrimination, shame, and isolation. This
stigma discourages individuals from seeking help or even acknowledging their mental health
challenges. As a result, mental health issues are often left untreated, exacerbating the problem. The
fear of judgment from family, friends, and society means that many people hide their mental health
struggles, further contributing to a cycle of silence and neglect. In countries where mental health
care is stigmatized, public policies also tend to reflect these attitudes, with mental health receiving
minimal attention or funding.
Lack of Resources
Globally, there is a significant shortage of mental health professionals, facilities, and infrastructure,
particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The global average is fewer than nine mental
health workers per 100,000 people, and in some low-income countries, this number drops to below
one per 100,000. Facilities such as hospitals and clinics dedicated to mental health care are also in
short supply, especially in rural and remote areas. Mental health services often remain concentrated
in urban centers, leaving rural populations underserved. Moreover, mental health is often one of the
least funded areas in national healthcare budgets, with many countries allocating less than 1% of
their total healthcare expenditure to mental health care.
Access to Care
Accessing mental health care is challenging for various reasons, especially in low-resource settings.
Costs of treatment can be prohibitive, and even in countries with universal health coverage, mental
health services may not be included or may require long waiting times. Geographic location also
plays a role; people living in rural or conflict-affected areas often need to travel long distances to
reach mental health care providers. Additionally, cultural norms may prevent people from seeking
help due to fear of stigma or misunderstanding about mental health conditions. For example, in
some communities, mental health disorders are attributed to supernatural causes or personal
failings, leading individuals to turn to religious or traditional healers instead of medical professionals.
Economic Impact
Untreated mental health disorders can lead to significant economic costs. Mental health issues
reduce productivity and increase absenteeism in the workplace, contributing to a loss of income for
individuals and economic inefficiencies for businesses. The World Economic Forum estimates that
mental health disorders could cost the global economy up to $16 trillion by 2030. These disorders
also place a heavy burden on healthcare systems, as individuals with untreated mental health
conditions often seek emergency care when their symptoms become acute. Moreover, untreated
mental health disorders can exacerbate physical health problems, leading to a higher overall cost of
healthcare. In low-income countries, mental health disorders can also trap individuals and families in
cycles of poverty, as the financial burden of illness increases while productivity declines.
Mental Health in Conflict Zones
The mental health impacts of living in war zones or conflict-affected areas are profound. Exposure to
violence, displacement, and the loss of loved ones can result in a range of mental health conditions,
including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Refugees and internally
displaced persons are particularly vulnerable to these conditions, and the mental health services
available in conflict zones are often inadequate or entirely absent. The destruction of healthcare
infrastructure, the shortage of mental health professionals, and the prioritization of immediate
physical health concerns over mental health care further worsen the situation. For individuals living
in these settings, untreated mental health disorders can hinder recovery and reintegration efforts,
prolonging the negative effects of conflict on both individuals and communities.
Past International Efforts
WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020
The WHO Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 was a landmark initiative aimed at addressing the
global burden of mental health disorders. Its primary objectives were:
1. Promoting Mental Well-Being: Raising awareness about the importance of mental health as a
critical part of overall well-being and encouraging governments to prioritize mental health.
2. Preventing Mental Disorders: Implementing preventive measures such as public education
campaigns, early intervention programs, and policies aimed at reducing the risk factors
associated with mental health disorders.
3. Providing Access to Care: Improving access to mental health services, particularly in low- and
middle-income countries, by integrating mental health into primary healthcare and training
healthcare workers in basic mental health support.
4. Strengthening Evidence and Research: Encouraging countries to gather data on mental health
trends and invest in research to better understand and treat mental health disorders.
The plan’s impact has been significant, with over 80% of WHO member states developing or
updating their mental health policies since its launch. However, challenges remain, particularly in
ensuring equitable access to care and addressing the shortage of mental health professionals in
low-resource settings.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Mental health is explicitly addressed in Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to
“ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Specifically, Target 3.4 seeks to
reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030 through
prevention, treatment, and promotion of mental health and well-being. The inclusion of mental health
in the SDGs marked a significant step toward recognizing mental health as an essential aspect of
global health and development. Countries are now expected to integrate mental health into their
broader public health agendas as part of their commitment to achieving the SDGs.
Global Mental Health Programs
Several global organizations have launched initiatives aimed at improving mental health awareness,
treatment, and care:
• United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA): UNFPA focuses on the mental health of vulnerable
populations, particularly in humanitarian crises. They offer psychosocial support to women,
adolescents, and children affected by conflict, natural disasters, and displacement. UNFPA also
integrates mental health into reproductive health services, recognizing the intersection of mental
and physical health.
• International Red Cross: The Red Cross has been instrumental in providing mental health
support in disaster and conflict zones. Their Psychosocial Support Program (PSP) helps
individuals cope with the emotional and psychological impact of emergencies. By offering
community-based mental health support, the Red Cross helps to rebuild the resilience of affected
populations.
Regional Collaborations
In addition to global efforts, several regional initiatives have emerged to address mental health
challenges in specific regions:
• Africa: In Africa, the African Mental Health Foundation (AMHF) has been working to improve
mental health awareness and access to care through research, advocacy, and community-based
interventions. The foundation partners with governments and NGOs to train healthcare workers
and promote mental health integration into general healthcare systems.
• Asia: In Southeast Asia, the Asia-Pacific Mental Health Network (APMHN) has been leading
efforts to improve mental health services through cross-border collaborations. The network works
with governments and international organizations to share best practices and promote the
inclusion of mental health in national health agendas.
• Latin America: The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has played a significant role in
advancing mental health care in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through its Plan of Action on
Mental Health, PAHO has supported countries in the region to update their mental health policies,
train healthcare workers, and improve access to care, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable
populations.
