[CLSTR]
< Back to all clusters
[HEALTH] · Somalia, Maldives, Ghana, Kenya, India · 19 sources

started · updated

Part of situation: England children's mental health crisis and service response (2 clusters)

Global initiatives expand mental health policy and support services

mental health policy World Mental Health Day psychological services mental health stigma tele-mental health

Various nations are implementing new strategies and services to address mental health challenges, often coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

In Somalia, the government has launched its first national mental health policy for 2026–2030, aiming to expand care access and reduce stigma. In the Maldives, President Mohamed Muizzu announced plans for a national mental health law and the use of digital technology to improve service equity. The nation's '1677' helpline has already recorded over 23,000 calls.

In Ghana, the Mental Health Authority reported an increase in recorded cases, which officials attribute to improved access through the National Health Insurance Scheme and higher reporting rates. The Ghana Psychological Association is advocating for the inclusion of individuals with lived experience in policy development. Similarly, in Namibia, Vice President Lucia Witbooi called for data-driven changes to improve prevention and care.

In India, the Tele-MANAS national helpline has handled over 4.7 million calls since 2022, with a significant portion of users being aged 18–45. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have called for stronger community-based services and the elimination of social stigma. In Kenya, advocates are urging the government to increase support as economic pressures impact mental well-being.

Entities

Asif Ali Zardari · Ghana Mental Health Authority · Maldives Ministry of Health · Mohamed Muizzu · Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif · NHS · Peter Fonagy · Somalia Ministry of Health · Tarique Rahman · Tele-MANAS · UK Government · World Health Organization

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

  • [○ 1 SOURCE] Over 70,000 individuals in the Maldives sought treatment for mental health conditions between 2023 and 2025. etruth.mv
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Ghana's Mental Health Authority recorded 36,196 cases of five major mental health conditions between January and June 2026. www.myjoyonline.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Reported cases increased by 6,414 compared to the 29,782 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. www.myjoyonline.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders accounted for 15,193 cases in Ghana. www.myjoyonline.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] The increase in reported cases may be due to improved access to treatment and more people seeking help rather than increased prevalence. www.myjoyonline.com
  • [● 2 SOURCES] Epilepsy was the second most recorded condition with 9,072 cases. www.myjoyonline.com
  • [○ 1 SOURCE] The Maldives national mental health helpline, 1677, has recorded over 23,000 calls since its launch in 2024. etruth.mv

Sources

Somalia Launches First National Mental Health Policy to Expand Care and Tackle Stigma – Axadle [axadletimes.com]
Helpline "1677" Logs Over 23,000 Calls in Push for Mental Health Support [etruth.mv]
Ghana Psychological Association calls for greater involvement of people with lived experience in mental health care [ghananewss.com]
Kenya urged to strengthen mental health support as world marks mental health day [www.news9.africa]
President pledges easier access to mental healthcare across the country - The Standard Maldives [standard.mv]
Govt working to bring mental health services to doorsteps, says PM [tob.news]
Give mental health ‘equal priority’ in NHS reforms, psychiatrists urge [www.rotherradio.co.uk]
New mental health support for children and schools announced | MadeForMums [www.madeformums.com]
Major overhaul of mental health support with focus on early intervention | National Health Executive [www.nationalhealthexecutive.com]
Government pledges major overhaul of mental health, ADHD and autism support [www.publicsectorexecutive.com]
From a Helpline to a Lifeline: The Vandrevalas’ Mission Mental Health [www.asianage.com]
Autism and ADHD: people need support before diagnosis, but getting one can change their lives [eveningreport.nz]
Mental health authority links Ghana’s rise in depression reports to increased access to care [ghanaguardian.com]
WITBOOI URGES ACTION ON MENTAL HEALTH FIGURES [nbcnews.na]
UK Government Plans Major Mental Health Overhaul as Children Face Growing Crisis [tdpelmedia.com]
Shagufta Saba calls for dignity, compassion and inclusion for people with special needs [thefinancialdaily.com]
President, PM call for stigma-free society, stronger mental health services [dailytimes.com.pk]
Schizophrenia-related disorders lead mental health cases recorded in Ghana [www.myjoyonline.com]
73% of Tele-MANAS users are aged 18-45; exam stress, workplace and relationship issues top concerns [www.newindianexpress.com]