Global Mental Health Essay

The legal and political challenges to global mental health discussed in this paper include the need for more research on cost-effective remedies and funding available to boost access to mental health services, including bipolar disorders, and the need for constructive strategic dialogue and formulation and implementation of policies.
Bipolar disorders poses a significant economic challenge, not only on the individuals with the illness but also on communities, healthcare networks and government financial projections. These affected households have an important role on the productivity and size of workforce and on national income. Studies in less developed countries expose a need for poverty reduction strategies: for instance, epidemiological …show more content…
Countries must formulate policies ranging from Ministry of Health mental health policies, national health sector strategic plan, to primary care policy. Both Ministry and District annual operational plans, as well as the sector reforms and spending plans of prisons, schools and social welfare and employment services, police and courts at national and district levels must also be reformed. To address mental health in such a totality, there must be proper framework and inputs to government committees and other relevant sectors. This may also call for establishment of a well-functioning mental health division within the Ministry of Health. Government structures for mental health and better coordination between different actors at a national level must be improved. While this is vital, it does not change the need to shift funding to help promote devolution of primary care to mental health. The governments must put in place budgets to support and supervise decentralized services, and to engage in training and service