New York - Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
More than a billion people worldwide suffer from mental health problems. Conditions such as anxiety and depression have dire humanitarian and economic consequences. This was revealed on Tuesday in new reports issued by the World Health Organization. According to the organization, more investment is needed in mental health care. According to Belgian media in Brussels today, the organization released two new reports on Tuesday: "Global Mental Health Today" and "Mental Health Atlas 2024." According to studies, mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, occur in almost all countries of the world. They affect people of all ages and income levels. Moreover, these problems are the second leading cause of long-term absence and contribute to the loss of healthy life years. Healthcare costs are rising, leading to significant economic losses worldwide. The WHO estimates that depression and anxiety cost the global economy $1 trillion (€854 billion). According to Belgian media, including the website of the newspaper Nieuwsblad, according to the World Health Organization, progress has been made in recent years, but significant gaps remain in addressing mental health problems around the world. According to the organization, these studies are essential to inform governments about these diseases so they can develop strategies to combat them.
Studies also indicate that women are more affected by mental health problems. According to experts, suicide is a common consequence of mental disorders. An estimated 727,000 people committed suicide in 2021. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people in all countries.
"Addressing mental health is one of the most urgent public health challenges," emphasized Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization. He added: "Investing in mental health is an investment in individuals, societies, and economies. It is an investment that no country can afford to neglect. Mental health is not a privilege; it is a fundamental right for all."
A UN meeting on this issue will be held in New York on September 25.