Global mental health summit focuses on accessible care

ISLAMABAD, Oct 02 (APP): The second day of Pakistan’s Global Mental Health Summit on Friday continued with discussions on strengthening mental health services, prevention and access to improve support for people across the country.

Experts from Geneva, Cairo and Pakistan participated in discussions focused on making mental health services more accessible and inclusive, while learning from lived experiences and successful approaches to prevention and care.

The two-day summit, being held in Islamabad from October 1-2, has brought together mental health experts, policymakers, academics and representatives of national and international organizations to discuss priorities for strengthening Pakistan’s mental health system.

The summit follows the launch of Pakistan’s National Mental Health Policy 2026-2035, which aims to expand mental health support for an estimated 32.4 million people in need of care.

According to estimates presented at the summit, only around five percent of Pakistan’s population currently has access to mental health services, leaving a substantial treatment gap. The country also faces a shortage of trained mental health professionals.

Participants emphasized the importance of prevention, early identification and community-based support, particularly through primary healthcare, schools and other community settings.

The discussions also highlighted the need for coordinated action among government institutions, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities to ensure that people can access appropriate mental health support regardless of where they live.

The summit aims to promote evidence-based policies, strengthen mental health services and advance partnerships for more equitable and resilient mental healthcare systems in Pakistan.