The document titled “Mental Health Summit – Voices of People with Lived Experience in the WHO South-East Asia Region” (Reference Number: SEA-NCD-110) is a meeting report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) on October 24, 2024. It summarizes the proceedings of a mental health summit held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 19–20, 2024.

World Health Organization

Background and Objectives

The summit aimed to amplify the voices of individuals with lived experiences of mental health conditions across the WHO South-East Asia Region. Its primary objectives were to:

• Share Personal Narratives: Provide a platform for individuals to share their experiences with mental health challenges.
• Identify Challenges and Barriers: Discuss obstacles faced in accessing mental health services.
• Promote Inclusive Policies: Advocate for policies that incorporate the perspectives of those with lived experiences.
• Strengthen Regional Collaboration: Enhance cooperation among countries in the region to improve mental health outcomes.

Key Themes and Discussions

1. Stigma and Discrimination: Participants highlighted the pervasive stigma associated with mental health conditions, which often leads to social exclusion and reluctance to seek help.
2. Access to Services: There was a consensus on the need for improved access to quality mental health services, especially in rural and underserved areas.
3. Policy Implementation: The importance of translating mental health policies into actionable programs was emphasized, with a focus on community-based approaches.
4. Empowerment and Advocacy: Encouraging individuals with lived experiences to take active roles in advocacy and policy development was deemed crucial for effective mental health interventions.

Recommendations

The report outlines several recommendations to address the identified challenges:

• organizing an annual conference using technology to grow the network of regional members;
• creating more diverse and representative country-level networks, leveraging accessible tech platforms such as WhatsApp;
• conducting more virtual consultations and keeping an open channel for ideas;
• building informal networks, and creating small safe spaces for human connection;
• capacity development for people with lived experience to share and participate in policy processes to be effective advocates;
• liaising with government departments to implement the charter through a national-level task force that includes representatives from civil society organizations (CSOs) and people with lived experience;
• working with CSOs in countries to advocate for the implementation of the charter; and
• developing a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building and fostering a support network of people with lived experience and carers in the region.

Conclusion

The summit served as a pivotal platform for bringing together individuals with lived experiences, policymakers, and healthcare providers to discuss the state of mental health in the WHO South-East Asia Region. The insights and recommendations derived from the discussions are intended to inform future initiatives aimed at improving mental health outcomes and ensuring that the voices of those affected are central to policy and program development.

For a comprehensive understanding, the full report can be accessed here: