Photo caption: The National Center for Mental Health within Jordan's Ministry of Health has been renovated to improve its infrastructure, with the aim of creating a more therapeutic environment while upholding human rights. Photo credit: WHO Jordan. Enhancing the quality of care at Jordan’s National Center for Mental Health Jordan’s National...

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 of...

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 trying times. Acceptance of the loss...

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 for...

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...

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,...

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...

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,...

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...

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...