Essay by Eric Worrall
Even The New York Times criticizes WHO’s political incompetence in 2020. But the WHO seems to have failed to learn from its mistakes, its widespread criticism of a lack of mission focus.
Why mental health is a top priority in climate action
June 3, 2022
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New WHO policy brief highlights actions for countries
Climate change poses serious risks to mental health and well-being, concludes a new WHO policy briefReleased today at Stockholm Conference + 50. As a result, the Organization is calling on countries to add mental health support in response to the climate crisis, citing examples where some pioneering countries have done this effectively.
This finding agrees with the recent report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), published in February of this year. The IPPC reveals that rapidly increasing climate change poses a growing threat to mental health and psychosocial well-being; from emotional distress to anxiety, depression, grief, and suicidal behavior.
Dr Maria Neira, Director of the Department, said: “The impacts of climate change are increasingly part of our daily lives, and there is little support available specifically for mental health. for people and communities to deal with climate-related hazards and long-term risks”. on Environment, Climate Change and Health at WHO.
The mental health impacts of climate change are unevenly distributed with certain groups being disproportionately affected depending on factors such as socioeconomic status, gender and age . It is clear, however, that climate change affects many of the social determinants that already lead to a large global burden of mental health. One year 2021 WHO survey Out of 95 countries, only 9 have so far included mental health and psychosocial support in their national health and climate change plans.
“The impacts of climate change are intensifying an already extremely challenging situation for mental health and mental health services globally. There are almost 1 billion people living with mental health conditions, but in low- and middle-income countries, 3 out of 4 people do not have access to essential services,” said Dévora. Kestel, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse at WHO. “By increasing mental health and psychosocial support in climate and disaster risk reduction action, countries can do more to help protect those most at risk.” .
The new WHO policy brief recommends five critical approaches for governments to address the mental health impacts of climate change:
- integrate climate considerations with mental health programs;
- integrating mental health support with climate action;
- build on global commitments;
- develop community-based approaches to reduce vulnerability; and
- bridge the large funding gap that exists for mental health and psychosocial support.
“WHO Member States have made it clear that mental health is a top priority for them. We are working closely with countries to protect people’s physical and mental health from climate threats,” said Dr Diarmid Campbell-Lendrum, WHO climate team leader and author IPCC’s lead author said.
Some good examples of how this can be done are in the Philippines, which rebuilt and improved mental health services in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, or in India, where there is a national project to scale up disaster risk reduction in the country. while also preparing cities to respond to climate risks and to address mental health and psychosocial needs.
The Stockholm Conference celebrates the 50th anniversary of the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment and recognizes the importance of environmental determinants for mental and physical health.
Note to the editor
WHO defines mental health as “a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her own potential, is able to cope with the stresses of life, is productive, and is able to contribute to the community.” your coin”.
WHO defines mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) as “any form of local or external support that protects or promotes psychosocial health and/or prevents or treatment of mental disorders”.
Please get in touch for more information:
Questions on WHO media: [email protected]
Source: https://www.who.int/news/item/03-06-2022-why-mental-health-is-a-priasty-for-action-on-climate-change
I am not saying that WHO has forgotten all about its core mission of fighting the pandemic. WHO is currently in the midst of what appears to be a great power.
The World Health Organization’s response to criticism of its mishandling of the Covid pandemic appears to be that it does not have the resources or authority needed to respond appropriately, so it is important to push giving them more say in national health responses to future pandemics.
I don’t know if WHO’s far-fetched assertion that warm weather is bad for our mental health is consistent with WHO’s vision of an expanded role in global health management and its response. pandemic or not, but I’m sure many of you share my displeasure at such an organization being granted any kind of extra authority. In my opinion, they should be disbanded for incompetence, not rewarded with a louder voice in our lives.
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