POSTED October 6, 2020
WHO: pandemic disrupts majority of world’s mental-health services
Children Believe is helping provide psycho-social support in our program areas as many countries struggle to meet needs
As the pandemic raises demand for mental-health services, a World Health Organization (WHO) survey of 130 countries found 93 percent have fallen short in providing critical help during the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, less than 50 percent of low-income countries have “bridged gaps” in providing medicine and therapy. Â
“Good mental health is absolutely fundamental to overall health and well-being,” said Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization. “World leaders must move fast and decisively to invest more in life-saving mental-health programs — during the pandemic and beyond.”
Aside from mental-health issues, people with pre-existing mental, neurological or substance-use disorders are more vulnerable to the virus, reports WHO.
Children Believe is working to fill gaps in our program areas, offering psycho-social support where possible. In India, local partner staff have been trained in short-term online counselling and mentorship with support from mental-health professionals. So far, more than 200 community members have accessed the services.
To find out more about how you can help support Children Believe’s work during this difficult time, visit childrenbelieve.ca/covidhelp.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60+ years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.