WHO-AIMS Report on Mental Health Systems in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

This report summarizes descriptive data on mental health systems in 14 countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region using the WHO Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS). The comprehensive and detailed information presented provides a better understanding of mental health systems in these countries than was hitherto available.

Results indicate that mental health resources and activities are scarce, inequitably distributed and inefficiently used; community-based mental health services are underdeveloped; mental health systems are often not well connected to other relevant sectors, such as the primary health care system and the employment sector; and insufficient attention is given to human rights.

This report highlights the urgent need for additional resources to be devoted to mental health care, more equitable distribution of resources, and a concerted effort to divert resources concentrated in mental hospitals towards community care.