This action plan published by the World Health Organization recognises the essential role of mental health in achieving health for all people.
Download Mental health action plan 2013-2020
It sets out four major objectives:
- more effective leadership and governance for mental health
- the provision of comprehensive, integrated mental health and social care services in community-based settings
- implementation of strategies for promotion and prevention, and
- strengthened information systems, evidence and research.
The plan sets important new directions for mental health including a central role for provision of community based care and a greater emphasis on human rights. It introduces the notion of recovery, moving away from a pure medical model, and addresses income generation and education opportunities, housing and social services and other social determinants of mental health in order to ensure a comprehensive response to mental health.
The action plan also emphasises the empowerment of people with mental disabilities, the need to develop a strong civil society and the importance of promotion and prevention activities including for preventing suicides.