The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Services
2020
This data publication from the World Health Organization provides information about the extent of disruption to mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) services due to COVID-19. Based on a rapid assessment in 130 countries conducted between June and August 2020, the publication describes the types of services that have been disrupted and how countries are adapting to overcome these challenges.
Eighty-nine percent of countries included mental health and psychosocial support as a part of their COVID-19 plans. However, only 17% allocated additional funding for this support. The assessment also finds that in 93% of countries, one or more MNS services disrupted, with community- and outpatient-based services predominantly affected. The findings also highlight how care has been disrupted for over a third of vulnerable populations needing emergency interventions.
In a severely underfunded global mental health landscape, this data publication provides a critical snapshot of the intersection of infectious disease and mental health. Adversity is a risk factor for short- and long-term mental health problems: Bereavement, loss of income, and isolation are all dimensions of the COVID-19 pandemic that can trigger new or exacerbate existing mental health problems. Moreover, COVID-19 itself is associated with neurological complications.
The publication is accompanied by an infographic and a booklet summarizing methodology and key takeaway.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Services
Source:
The Impact of COVID-19 on Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Services. World Health Organization 2020. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/335838.