Historic decision: 77th World Health Assembly adopts resolution on mental health in times of war and disaster initiated by Ukraine
The Ukrainian delegation headed by Minister of Health of Ukraine Viktor Liashko takes part in the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva.
During this year’s assembly, the participating countries adopted by consensus a historic resolution “Strengthening mental health and psychosocial support before, during and after armed conflicts, natural and human-made disasters, and health and other emergencies”, initiated by Ukraine, the Netherlands, and a group of WHO Member States.
“Our slogan is everything for health, health for everyone. But we, Ukrainians, also have another slogan: to survive the terrible war that russia has started against Ukraine. To survive and protect children and women from bombs and rocket attacks. When a life-threatening situation, as is happening now in Ukraine, becomes commonplace, security becomes a priority, and health becomes a privilege. I am extremely grateful to the countries that keep Ukraine on their agenda, remembering this unjustified war and condemning russian aggression in their speeches and actions. I am extremely grateful to all the countries that joined the work on the draft joint resolution on mental health and to all the member states of the Assembly that supported it! The adopted document is an important step towards a world where everyone has access to the necessary psychological assistance in the most difficult moments of their lives. Mental health and psychosocial support will be integrated into emergency response systems. Ukraine is ready to share its unique experience in overcoming large-scale crises in the nation’s mental well-being that arise during conflicts, disasters or other emergencies.”
As part of the resolution, countries agreed to integrate mental health and psychosocial support into emergency response systems. This means strengthening mental health and psychosocial support at all stages of emergencies, including military conflicts, natural disasters and humanitarian crises. These are the aspects that we are currently taking into account in Ukraine when building an ecosystem of psychological support as part of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program “How Are You?” initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine Olena Zelenska.
Nearly all people affected by emergencies experience psychological stress, with one in five likely to have a mental health disorder. The new resolution calls for integrated, quality mental health services that are accessible to all, especially in unstable and conflict-affected areas. It calls on Member States to implement the WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan for 2013-2030, including mental health and psychosocial support in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery.
The resolution emphasizes the need for long-term investment in community-based services and cross-sectoral coordination to improve access to care. It also emphasizes the mental health needs of health and humanitarian workers in general, who are often under extreme stress during emergencies.
WHO is tasked with providing technical support, facilitating interagency coordination, strengthening capacity building, and ensuring the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into emergency preparedness and response. Progress will be monitored through annual reports to the World Health Assembly from 2025 to 2031, ensuring accountability and continued attention to mental health in emergencies.
The resolution was an initiative of Ukraine and the Netherlands with the support of a large group of WHO member states. The adopted document will be an important step towards a world where everyone has access to the necessary assistance in the most difficult moments of their lives.
During the Assembly, a number of meetings were held, in particular with European Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides, Ministers of Health of Great Britain, the Netherlands, France, Norway, Germany, Italy, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Cyprus, Uruguay, as well as representatives of the Global Fund and nonprofit humanitarian organization Direct Relief. The agenda includes strengthening cooperation and new projects aimed at strengthening and developing Ukraine’s medical system in line with the challenges of the war and strategic development plans.