WHO Sounds Alarm on Global Mental Health Crisis

JHNews || Geneva — More than 1 billion people worldwide are living with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression, the World Health Organization (WHO) warns, calling it a growing challenge for individuals and economies alike.

WHO data show these illnesses can cause profound sadness, hinder work, and—in severe cases—lead to loss of life. In 2021 alone, about 727,000 people died by suicide.

Despite rising need, most countries allocate only about 2 percent of their health budgets to mental health, leaving care scarce—particularly in low-income nations. Stigma, underfunding, and slow policy reforms further block access to treatment.

WHO is urging governments and partners to act decisively by:

• Boosting funding for mental-health services
• Reforming outdated laws
• Training more specialists
• Expanding community-based care

“Mental health isn’t a privilege—it’s a human right,” the agency emphasized in its latest appeal.

Full report: WHO link