Committee : World Health Organization
Topic : Enhancing Mental Health Care Access Worldwide
Country : Ukraine
Delegate :Pulkit Pal
Background on the Topic
Mental health is a state of well-being that allows individuals to manage life’s challenges, recognize their strengths, acquire
knowledge, perform effectively at work, and contribute to [Link] disorders are conditions that significantly disrupt
an individual’s thinking, emotional control, and behavior. According to the International Classification of Diseases
(ICD-11), some of the most prevalent mental health disorders include:
● Anxiety Disorders: Characterized by excessive fear, worry, and behavioral disturbances. In 2019, approximately
301 million people worldwide were living with an anxiety disorder, including 58 million children and adolescents.
● Depression: One of the most common mental health disorders, leading to persistent sadness and a loss of interest
in daily activities.
● Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This condition can develop after exposure to extremely distressing or
life-threatening events, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Studies suggest that 3.9% of the global population
has experienced PTSD at some point in their lives.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health
According to a 2023 WHO scientific brief, the pandemic led to:
● A 27.6% increase in cases of major depressive disorder (MDD).
● A 25.6% increase in cases of anxiety disorders.
● Higher suicide risk, especially among young people. Factors such as exhaustion among healthcare workers,
loneliness, and a positive COVID-19 diagnosis heightened the risk of suicidal thoughts.
● Over 33% of WHO Member States reported disruptions in mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS)
services between November and December 2021.
● Some disruptions were alleviated by shifting towards e-mental health services, but inadequate infrastructure,
existing social inequalities, and limited digital literacy posed challenges to accessibility.
Ukraine’s Policy on Mental Health Care Access
Ukraine’s mental health policy is clear, urgent, and non-negotiable: Mental health is a fundamental human right, and
every citizen—regardless of circumstance—must have access to quality mental health [Link] are some key
principles of Ukraine’s mental health policy.
● Ukraine has incorporated mental health services into primary healthcare through the State Programme of Medical
Guarantees. This ensures that psychological support is as accessible as physical healthcare, reducing barriers to
treatment.
● Ukraine rejects outdated, institutionalized mental health care in favor of community-based services. The WHO
Director-General’s Special Initiative for Mental Health supports this shift, ensuring care is decentralized,
patient-focused, and upholds human rights.
● The National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Programme (MHPSS)—spearheaded by First Lady Olena
Zelenska—demonstrates Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to building a national mental health infrastructure.
This initiative ensures that mental health is a priority at every level of governance
● Ukraine recognizes that mental health stigma is a barrier to care. The All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program,
"How Are You?", launched in May 2022, promotes public awareness, education, and open conversations about
mental health. This campaign is a direct attack on stigma, ensuring that seeking help is seen as a sign of strength,
not weakness.
● Ukraine actively partners with WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) to scale up services, train
professionals, and provide psychological care even in resource-limited settings. This partnership enhances
Ukraine’s ability to deliver critical mental health services, even amidst war.
● Ukraine is committed to doing its part, but no country can overcome a mental health crisis alone—especially in
the midst of war. Ukraine calls on the international community, NGOs, and global health organizations to continue
supporting its fight for accessible, high-quality mental health services.
Impact of War on Mental Health Care in Ukraine
Since Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the country’s healthcare system has suffered
significant damage:
● 707 attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities were recorded.
● 218 hospitals and clinics were damaged or destroyed.
● 181 attacks targeted other medical infrastructure, such as pharmacies and dental clinics.
● The estimated financial damage to Ukraine’s healthcare system is $26 billion.
● 86 attacks on healthcare workers were reported, resulting in 62 deaths. Many medical professionals have been
injured, harassed, taken hostage, or forced to work under occupation.
The war has left Ukrainian society deeply traumatized while simultaneously reducing access to essential mental health
services due to widespread infrastructural destruction and economic decline.
Past International Efforts
WHO Initiatives
● The first major global resolution dedicated to mental illness was adopted by the United Nations General
Assembly in December 1991.
● This resolution, titled "Principles for the Protection of Persons with Mental Illness and the Improvement of
Mental Health Care," outlined fundamental human rights for individuals with mental health conditions. It
emphasized non-discrimination, the protection of minors, confidentiality, the role of community and culture, as
well as guidelines for medication, treatment, and mental health facilities.
● In 2012, WHO launched the QualityRights Initiative, a program focused on improving access to high-quality
mental health and social services while protecting the rights of individuals with mental health conditions,
intellectual disabilities, and cognitive impairments. This initiative aimed to reform national policies, enhance
the quality of care, and promote community-based recovery-oriented services.
● In 2013, the 66th World Health Assembly adopted WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan
(2013-2020). This was considered a milestone achievement, as it directed international attention toward
reducing stigma and discrimination while expanding mental health services to optimize resources. The plan
focused on four key objectives, primarily strengthening mental health governance and leadership and
improving research, data collection, and information systems.
● In 2016, WHO introduced a resolution on Mental Health and Human Rights, urging member states to
approach mental health care with a human rights perspective and take meaningful action.
Possible Solutions
1. Capacity Building Programmes of local community members, including those who have experienced similar
traumas, to serve as peer supporters. They would provide emotional support, listen to people’s experiences, and
connect them with professional mental health services when needed. In conflict-affected regions, people often
trust those within their communities more than external providers.
2. Incorporate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into existing humanitarian aid programs,
such as food distribution, shelter support, and emergency relief. This could include providing information on
mental health services, offering short-term counseling during distributions, and linking individuals to longer-term
mental health care.
3. Culturally sensitive mental health awareness campaigns:People in conflict areas may not be familiar with
mental health terminology or may be hesitant to seek help due to cultural factors. Educating people in their own
language and context helps normalize mental health care, increases awareness of available services, and reduces
the stigma surrounding mental health.
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