In a first-of-its-kind move, the WHO has issued guidance to help governments embed mental health considerations across all sectors, promoting a “mental health in all policies” approach.
The guidance provides governments with practical strategies for protecting and promoting mental health and well-being across populations, showing how different ministries and agencies can act individually and collaboratively.
Expanding Beyond Health
Building on WHO’s earlier Guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans, the new sectoral guidance goes beyond the health sector. It offers clear instructions for integrating mental health considerations into policies, strategies, and programmes across government.
Key Sectors Covered
The guidance highlights ten critical sectors where mental health integration is essential:
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Culture, Arts and Sport
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Defence and Veterans
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Education
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Employment
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Environment, Conservation and Climate Protection
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Health
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Interior
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Justice
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Social Protection
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Urban and Rural Development
For each sector, it provides:
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Key policy directives
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Strategic actions
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Example indicators to measure progress
Principles and Approach
Grounded in human rights, equity, and evidence, the guidance emphasizes:
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The societal costs of ignoring mental health
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Benefits of investing in mental well-being
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Whole-of-government and whole-of-society collaboration
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Accountability and sustainable financing
Roadmap for Implementation
The guidance includes a practical eight-step roadmap for governments, covering:
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Initiating high-level dialogue
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Reviewing existing policies
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Integrating mental health into sectoral strategies
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Implementing actions
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Monitoring and evaluating progress
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Adapting strategies to local contexts
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Promoting inter-sectoral collaboration
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Ensuring sustainable financing
Accessibility and Dissemination
The WHO guidance includes an overarching document for all sectors, along with individual sector-specific publications for easier access, understanding, and practical application.
This initiative represents a major step toward a coordinated, rights-based approach to mental health that empowers governments to act strategically and proactively across every sector of society.
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