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29 May 2023

Islamic Republic of Iran: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

Context The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the general population in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been profound. This narrative focuses on the experiences of individuals who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. Grief, a natural response to loss, becomes even more challenging during these...

29 May 2023

Oman: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

General public The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the mental health of individuals worldwide, including the young population. In Oman, where young people were confined to their homes and residences, mental health issues escalated over time. Numerous studies and research efforts were conducted to understand the specific effects...

25 May 2023

Assessing the impact of Afghanistan’s Young Leaders Program on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

Context Under the Young Leaders Program initiated in 2019, the aim was to address social challenges and foster improved relationships between young generations and their elders within families and communities. However, the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the health, social relationships and social cohesion of the Afghan population, leading...

25 May 2023

Sudan: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

Context The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the daily lives of people worldwide, including Sudan. In Sudan, the impact of COVID-19 varied among the general population, with lower socioeconomic and uneducated populations showing disregard for and noncompliance with restrictive measures. Fear, anxiety, emotional reactions and isolation spread due to...

25 May 2023

Morocco: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

Context Poverty and vulnerability Poverty was a significant indicator of vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco. The loss of jobs, dwindling sources of income and the lack of a social security system exposed individuals and families to social and psychological issues. In April 2020, a survey conducted by the High Commission...

24 May 2023

Kuwait: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

Context During the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on mental health was significant, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as children, persons with disabilities, women and others. The stress and challenges of life in lockdown, quarantine and limited social contact took a toll on individuals. Children experienced frustration, helplessness and depression due to...

24 May 2023

Afghanistan: The Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health

Context From the start of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had been affecting the daily lives of people globally, including Afghanistan. However, Afghanistan faced additional challenges due to the lack of resources and limited support from the international community. The mental health and psychological well-being of the general public significantly declined due...

23 May 2023

Strengthening suicide prevention in the Region: WHO launches media monitoring tool

Introduction Suicide prevention is a pressing issue that requires comprehensive and data-driven strategies. With this understanding, the Mental Health and Substance Use Programme at the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean recognized the need for region-wide monitoring of media outlets to ensure responsible reporting of suicide. This approach acknowledges the...

07 July 2022

WHO enhances country capacity to implement anti-stigma programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

The World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean organized a regional consultation aimed at enhancing the capacity of countries to implement anti-stigma programmes in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. Experts from nine countries across the Region attended the consultation, which was held at the WHO Regional Office in Cairo,...

30 June 2022

Reducing the stigma of mental health disorders in Tunisia with a focus on future doctors

Problem Stigma and discrimination against people with mental health disorders is a significant public health issue in Tunisia. Stigma related to mental health disorders exists in the health care system and among health care providers. For people living with mental health disorders, it is a major barrier to seeking help, accessing...

29 June 2022

WHO digital mental health intervention effective in reducing depression among Syrian refugees in Lebanon

A new digital mental health intervention, Step-by-Step, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) at the Ministry of Public Health Lebanon and other partners, was effective in reducing depression among Syrian refugees in Lebanon, according to a study published in PLOS Medicine The study,...

24 May 2022

WHO works jointly with Qatar to speed up implementation of the action plan on dementia

The Ministry of Public Health in Qatar, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), organized a multi-regional workshop aimed at building national capacity for formulating comprehensive, multisectoral public health responses to dementia. Dementia experts from 16 countries across the WHO Regions of Africa, Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean attended...

12 April 2022

WHO is developing a framework for meaningful engagement with people living with noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions

The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean organized a virtual informal consultation with people living with noncommunicable diseases and mental health conditions in the Region in coordination with the WHO Global Coordination Mechanism on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases. The consultation aimed at exploring...

03 March 2022

President’s initiative to promote and improve mental health in schools in Pakistan

Introduction In 2019, the Government of Pakistan launched the President’s initiative to promote and improve mental health in schools, with an emphasis on technology to improve access to mental health. This 5-year initiative focuses on training teachers in skills and strategies to promote mental health in their schools and recognize and...

10 May 2021

Protect your mental health during Eid and beyond: Remain grateful and hopeful

Tip of the week | Remain grateful and hopeful We’re back for the fifth and final week to share with you some more pointers and resources to help you care for your mental health and well-being as COVID19 persists and as you prepare for Eid Al-Fitr. Last week, we focused on reflection,...

04 May 2021

Protect your mental health during Ramadan: Meditate and reflect

Tip of the week | Meditate and reflect We are back for the fourth week to share with you some more pointers and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing for the remainder of Ramadan and beyond. Last week, we focused on practicing self-restraint. This week is all...

27 April 2021

Protect your mental health during Ramadan: Practice self-restraint

Tip of the week | Practice self-restraint This is our third communication and we are back this week to share with you some more pointers and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Last week, we focused on caring for others...

20 April 2021

Protect your mental health during Ramadan: Share and care

Tip of the week | Share and care We’re back this week to share with you some more tips and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing during this COVID-19 pandemic and throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Last week, we promoted the importance of staying physically...

13 April 2021

Protect your mental health during Ramadan: Stay physically distant but socially connected

Tip of the week | Stay physically distant but socially connected Last year, during the Holy month of Ramadan, we shared a different tip every week to promote mental health and well-being, and to help you protect your own mental health, and help others do the same. Once again, Ramadan is...

01 November 2020

Sudan ensures provision of mental health and psychosocial support services during the COVID-19 pandemic at state and federal levels through multisectoral action

Introduction In Sudan, access to mental health and psychosocial support varies greatly between the 18 states, with 90% of services located in the Khartoum state. The National Mental Health Programme in collaboration with mental health professionals led the development of the national guidance protocol for mental health, psychological and social support,...

25 October 2020

Increase investment to scale up mental health services for common mental disorders in the Region

Common mental disorders are leading contributors to the global burden of disease and the economic cost due to ill health and loss of productivity, which is estimated at US$ 16.3 trillion globally. The Eastern Mediterranean is a diverse Region comprising high-income countries on the one hand, and low- and middle-income...

21 October 2020

Lebanon addresses mental health needs of all populations during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction The National Mental Health Programme at the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) developed a national action plan to address the mental health and psychosocial support aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon for all...

11 October 2020

Oman caters to people’s varying mental health needs during the COVID-19 pandemic through various remote services

Introduction Mental health has been a central pillar of the COVID-19 response in Oman and many efforts have been made to mitigate the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic such as isolation, boredom, fear, and stigmatization. Such efforts include remote psychosocial support services, and the development of guidance on managing mental health...

08 October 2020

Morocco state and non-state actors collaborate to provide mental health and psychosocial support services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on the mental wellbeing of the population. The household survey conducted by the High Commission “Haut Commissariat Au Plan” in April has shown high rates of fear and anxiety in the population while under lockdown and confinement. Notably, urban areas were twice...

07 October 2020

Jordan meets increasing demand for mental health and psychosocial support services during the COVID-19 pandemic through planning and collaboration

Introduction COVID-19 lockdowns and fear of infection have had a huge impact on the Jordanian society, increasing the demand for mental health and psychosocial support services. Older adults and children were especially affected due to the isolation and abrupt changes in their routines. People with pre-existing mental health conditions suffered temporary...

07 October 2020

Kuwait launches novel initiatives to improve access to mental health care during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction In response to the rising need for mental health and psychosocial support services among responders and the community at large, the Kuwait Ministry of Health through Kuwait’s Center for Mental Health and Central Administration for Primary Care launched a number of novel initiatives to improve access to care and overcome...

06 October 2020

Afghanistan ensures continuity of mental health and psychosocial support services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction In Afghanistan, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of the population primarily due to the stress caused by the movement restrictions and inaccurate and unverified information shared in the media including social. The main burden fell on vulnerable groups and low-income households. Among other things,...

21 September 2020

Islamic Republic of Iran provides mental health and psychosocial support services to people dealing with complicated grief and those experiencing loss during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction The Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran has developed a set of measures aiming to support people who lost their loved ones in the COVID-19 pandemic. Grieving the loss of a loved one during the pandemic can be overwhelming. Safety precautions have placed limitations...

23 June 2020

Helping frontline workers cope with stress during COVID-19: actions for team leads

Going to work during the COVID-19 pandemic has placed frontline workers under immense and unprecedented pressures, putting their physical, mental and social well-being at risk. Staff under excessive or prolonged stress become more prone to frequent absences from work or reduced productivity while at work, accidents and mistakes. In the...

22 June 2020

Helping frontline workers cope with stress during COVID-19: actions for peers

As a peer, there are multiple ways you can support your colleagues cope with stress, and stay mentally healthy or manage their mental health conditions at work. This is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed frontline workers under immense and unprecedented pressures, and put their physical, mental...

17 June 2020

Frontline workers and COVID-19: coping with stress

Going to work during this COVID-19 pandemic has placed frontline workers under immense and unprecedented pressure, putting their physical, mental and social well-being at risk. Exposure to excessive stress, for prolonged periods can have many harmful consequences on the emotional and mental well-being of frontline workers. It can: lead to burnout. trigger...

03 June 2020

Saudi Arabia: mental health and psychosocial support at country level

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

03 June 2020

Palestine: mental health and psychosocial support at country level

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

03 June 2020

Remain grateful and hopeful this Eid and beyond

We’re back for the fifth and final week to share with you some more tips and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing during #COVID19 and as you prepare for Eid Al-Fitr. Last week, we focused on reflection, meditation, and self-fulfillment. This week is all about...

17 May 2020

Yemen: mental health and psychosocial support at country level

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

17 May 2020

Tunisia: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

17 May 2020

Jordan: mental health and psychosocial support at during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

17 May 2020

Meditate and reflect this Ramadan

We are back for the fourth week to share with you some more tips and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Last week, we focused on practicing self-restraint. This week is all about reflection, meditation, and self-fulfillment. Stay tuned...

10 May 2020

Substance use considerations during #COVID19

Data from the “World Drug Report 2019” show that 271 million people worldwide aged 15‒64 used an illegal drug once in the past year, while 35 million were suffering from substance use disorders. Substance use disorders include a number of conditions, including hazardous and harmful use and substance dependence, which...

08 May 2020

Qatar: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

08 May 2020

Iraq: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

08 May 2020

Lebanon: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

08 May 2020

Egypt: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

08 May 2020

Iran: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

08 May 2020

Afghanistan: mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19

At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what...

08 May 2020

Practice self-restraint this Ramadan

This is our third communication and we are back this week to share with you some more tips and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Last week, we focused on caring for others and sharing your blessings with your...

08 May 2020

Share and care this Ramadan

We’re back this week to share with you some more tips and resources to help you care for your mental health and wellbeing during #COVID19 and throughout the Holy month of Ramadan. Last week, we focused on getting you to stay physically distant but socially connected to your friends, family...

08 May 2020

Stay physically distant but socially connected this Ramadan

This year, many of you may feel that Ramadan as you know it has changed because of the #COVID19 pandemic. Many countries are experiencing lockdowns and you are being advised to stay away from large social and religious gatherings, and from people you care about to protect yourself and them...

26 April 2020

Excessive screen use and gaming considerations during #COVID19

The COVID-19 outbreak has posed significant challenges across the globe. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are required to stay at home to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the disease, including young people. As of 25 April 2020, around 1.5 billion children have been out of school and as...

13 April 2020

Alcohol does not protect against COVID-19 and its access should be restricted during lock down

Alcohol is known to be harmful to health in general, and well understood to increase the risk of violence, including intimate partner violence, injury and alcohol poisoning. At times of lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, alcohol consumption can exacerbate health vulnerability, risk-taking behaviours, mental health issues and violence. The WHO...

25 November 2019

Pakistan marks World Mental Health Day with Presidential initiative

On World Mental Health Day 2019, celebrated every year on 10 October, the Government of Pakistan launched a Presidential initiative to improve mental health at national level. The initiative will focus on improving the mental health of mothers and young people. Improving the mental health of mothers Efforts to improve the mental...

25 November 2019

Every 40 seconds, someone loses their life to suicide

Join us, on 10 October, in "40 seconds of action" to raise awareness of the scale of suicide around the world and the role that each of us can play to help prevent it. Click on the flyer below to find out how you can take part in World Mental...