COVID-19 disrupting mental health services in most countries, WHO survey
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A WHO survey of 130 countries found that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted or halted critical mental health services in 93% of countries worldwide, while demand for mental health care is increasing, WHO reported. The survey provides the first global data on the pandemic’s impact on mental health services, according to WHO.
WHO said the pandemic is straining health systems worldwide, and that rapidly increasing demand on health facilities and health care workers threatens to leave some health systems overstretched and unable to operate effectively.
In a statement issued in Geneva, WHO said it is important to ensure that essential health services and operations are continued as the world tackles the pandemic, in order to protect the lives of people with TB and other diseases or health conditions.