Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Primary Health Care
for Children, Adolescents, Pregnant Women and New Mothers in the Middle East and North Africa Region
Highlights
Integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Primary Health Care for Children, Adolescents, Pregnant Women and New Mothers in the Middle East and North Africa Region
This report examines the integration of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) into Primary Health Care (PHC) for children, adolescents, pregnant women, and new mothers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, led by UNICEF MENARO, the Burnet Institute, and WHO EMRO. The study highlights the significant mental health burden in the region, where 1 in 6 adolescents is estimated to have a mental disorder, with services often limited to specialized care rather than being accessible through PHC.
Key challenges include a lack of specific strategies for youth mental health, insufficient funding, and limited coordination between sectors like health, education, and child protection. PHC providers often lack the training and resources to effectively manage mental health conditions, and there is a focus on adult mental health over services for children and adolescents.
The report recommends developing national mental health strategies, increasing investment in PHC-level services, and improving cross-sector collaboration. It also calls for enhancing workforce capacity, community engagement, and public awareness to reduce stigma and promote mental health literacy.
