Culturally sensitive, localized, Universal Mental Health Care.

Abstract

Since early 2020 a plethora of events, discussions and publications, from a wide variety of global organisations and individuals have championed mental health (Murray et al 1996, Jenkins 2019, Patel et al 2018 & WHO 2021a). Although not entirely as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, the pandemic has certainly contributed significantly to raising mental health issues across the world. What the pandemic demonstrated is the world needs to face global mental health challenges appropriately, which in turn reinforces global health. Key organisations and individuals such as the United Nations (UN) and UN Secretary General for mental health, played a major role in responding to the mental health challenges specifically resulting from Covid-19. This is demonstrated by the production of the UN Policy Briefing in May (UN 2020a)and with it an accompanying statement (UN 2020b). The statement essentially emphasized that all Governments must place mental health services central in any response to the Covid-19 pandemic. It also stressed "when the pandemic is brought under control, grief, anxiety and depression will continue to affect people and communities". In effect, mental health must be a central component of ongoing care.