The number of people living with a mental health condition has surpassed 1 billion globally, according to a report from the World Health Organization. But investments to improve mental health services in countries are lagging behind.
Mental health is one of the most neglected health issues globally and has a substantial impact on the global economy due to lost productivity. According to WHO, depression and anxiety alone cost the global economy a staggering $1 trillion annually.
And while the current numbers are concerning, Mark Van Ommeren, head of the mental health unit at WHO, warned they may be an underestimate, given the stigma surrounding mental health.
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About the author
Jenny Lei Ravelo@JennyLeiRavelo
Jenny Lei Ravelo is a Devex Senior Reporter based in Manila. She covers global health, with a particular focus on the World Health Organization, and other development and humanitarian aid trends in Asia Pacific. Prior to Devex, she wrote for ABS-CBN, one of the largest broadcasting networks in the Philippines, and was a copy editor for various international scientific journals. She received her journalism degree from the University of Santo Tomas.
