Accra:The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged countries to transition from long-term psychiatric hospital care to community-based services that uphold individuals’ rights and choices. This call to action comes as part of a new guide released ahead of World Mental Health Day, designed to aid countries in supporting individuals transitioning from mental health institutions back into their communities.

According to Qatar News Agency, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that ongoing mental health support should not compromise individuals’ freedom, dignity, or societal roles. The organization highlighted that approximately half of those residing in psychiatric hospitals and social care institutions are there involuntarily, sometimes for extended periods.

Successful reform, According to WHO, involves providing access to housing, healthcare, social support, education, and employment, as well as offering assistance to families. The organization also underscored the importance of involving individuals with lived experience of mental health services in the development of policies and decisions impacting their lives.