The World Health Organization (WHO) has released new guidance aimed at protecting and promoting mental health across all government sectors, advancing a “mental health in all policies” approach. For the first time, the guidance outlines what individual government sectors can do, as well as how they can collaborate, to support population-wide mental health and well-being.
Building on earlier WHO guidance on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans, which focused on rights-based, high-quality mental health systems, the new guidance extends beyond the health sector. It provides ministries and agencies with concrete recommendations to integrate mental health considerations into core policies, strategies, and programs, ensuring a coordinated, cross-sectoral response.
The publication offers guidance for establishing high-level cross-sectoral initiatives and provides sector-specific recommendations across ten key areas: culture, arts and sport; defense and veterans; education; employment; environment, conservation and climate protection; health; interior; justice; social protection; and urban and rural development. Each sector section includes policy directives, strategic actions, and sample indicators to measure progress and tailor implementation to national and local contexts.
Grounded in human rights, equity, and evidence, the guidance emphasizes both the societal costs of neglecting mental health and the benefits of investing in it. It calls for a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach that fosters collaboration, ensures accountability, and secures sustainable financing for mental health initiatives.
To assist governments in translating commitment into action, the guidance includes a roadmap of eight practical steps, from initiating high-level dialogue and reviewing existing policies to implementing, monitoring, and evaluating progress. The guidance is presented as an overarching document, accompanied by separate sector-specific publications for easier access and dissemination.
WHO acknowledges the contributions of expert reviewers and partners from various regions and sectors, as well as the funding partners whose support made the development of this guidance possible.
