The World Health Organization (WHO) embraces a definition of health as “physical, mental, and
social well-being”. Of these elements, mental well-being historically has been misunderstood and
often forgotten. WHO has spent the last five years actively addressing the barriers that prevent
access to mental health care and campaigning for the full incorporation of mental health in worldwide public health. Thanks greatly to their hard work, mental health now ranks as a priority within
the international health and development agenda. Governments across the world and health professionals across the disciplines are now more aware of the importance of mental health issues to
the overall health of individuals, communities, cities, and even entire nations.
Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, Emerging Evidence, Practice clarifies the concept of mental
health promotion and is a potent tool for guiding public officials and medical professionals in
addressing the behavioural health needs of their societies. It presents striking evidence that there
is a strong link between the protection of basic civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights
of people and their mental health. In these times, when conflicts between individuals and communities are on the increase and economic disparities are widening, this message is especially
relevant. Good mental health goes hand in hand with peace, stability and success, and Promoting
Mental Health presents a powerful case for including mental health promotion in the public
health policies of all countries.
WHO recognizes that besides the vital need for expanding services to those who currently receive
none, prevention of mental disorders and vigorous promotion of healthy behaviours are critical
for decreasing the international burden of mental illnesses and for helping people to realize their
full potential. WHO’s efforts include international reviews of scientific evidence for interventions;
wide dissemination of evidence, particularly in lower and middle income countries; and assisting
governments and non-governmental organizations in using the evidence to develop actual programmes.
Promoting Mental Health: Concepts, Emerging Evidence, Practice emphasizes that everyone has
a role and responsibility in mental health promotion and encourages integrated participation
from a variety of sectors such as education, work, environment, urban planning and community
development as the best way to make the most positive improvement in people’s mental health.
It appropriately focuses on resource-poor settings; however, money is not the key determinant to
ensure good mental health. Awareness and active involvement by each member of the community often have the greatest impact.
I congratulate WHO on this excellent work and urge policy-makers the world over to use this
important information to effect real improvement in the mental health and well-being for all their
people.
Rosalynn Carter
Chair, Mental Health Task Force
The Carter Center
Atlanta, Georgia
USA
