The WHO has urged member states in the region to close treatment gaps and ensure accessible services without financial hardship. By prioritizing community-based models and addressing the root causes of mental health challenges, Sri Lanka is setting an example for its neighbours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has lauded Sri Lanka’s efforts to reform its mental health care system, highlighting its focus on deinstitutionalization and community-based mental health networks. The commendation was featured in WHO’s 2024 annual report, which underscored Sri Lanka’s initiatives as a model for mental health reform in the South-East Asia region.

“By transitioning from long-stay institutional care to community-based services, Sri Lanka aims to provide individuals with greater autonomy and support within their communities,” the report noted. This approach addresses the significant barriers to mental health care, including inaccessibility and persistent stigma, common challenges in Sri Lanka and other nations in the region.

Growing Mental Health Crisis

The report emphasised that one in seven people in the South-East Asia region lives with a mental health condition. Mental health disorders are now the leading cause of years lost to disability, with depression and schizophrenia being the most debilitating conditions. The WHO has advocated for the reorganization of mental health services across the region, transitioning from institution-centred models to community-driven care.

Sri Lanka’s socio-economic challenges, including a recent currency crisis, rising unemployment, and redundancies, have further exacerbated mental health concerns. “Most of the determinants of mental health lie outside the health sector,” the WHO report stated, citing factors such as poverty, lack of education, stigma, and the impacts of climate change and migration.

Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka has taken significant strides to address the mental health crisis. The National Institute of Mental Health provides accessible care to citizens at little to no cost. However, the nation still grapples with a high suicide rate, with an average of eight to nine cases reported daily, amounting to around 3,000 suicides annually.

WHO’s Vision for Mental Health

In 2024, the WHO introduced several initiatives aimed at transforming mental health care in the South-East Asia region. The Paro Declaration, which champions universal access to person-centered mental health care, outlines a shift from disease-focused approaches to holistic, community-engaged models.

Key transformations advocated by the declaration include:

• Person-Centered Care: Emphasizing prevention, lifestyle interventions, and early support over solely diagnosis and treatment.
• Community Engagement: Empowering communities to reduce stigma, enhance awareness, and actively participate in mental health initiatives.
• Holistic Approach: Adopting a bio-psychosocial model that considers the interplay between biological, psychological, and social factors.
• Decentralized Care: Expanding services into community-based settings and integrating mental health into universal health coverage.

“Sri Lanka’s adoption of these principles demonstrates its commitment to revolutionizing mental health care,” said Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director of WHO South-East Asia.

Innovations and Future Goals

Sri Lanka has also implemented groundbreaking tools like the FLII-11 mental health survey, which aims to inform evidence-based policymaking and allocate resources effectively. These initiatives, coupled with a focus on multi-sectoral policies, reflect a progressive approach to addressing mental health risks across the life course.

The WHO has urged member states in the region to close treatment gaps and ensure accessible services without financial hardship. By prioritizing community-based models and addressing the root causes of mental health challenges, Sri Lanka is setting an example for its neighbours.

While significant progress has been made, challenges remain. Sri Lanka’s success depends on sustained investment, policy innovation, and addressing socio-economic determinants of mental health. By expanding community engagement and reducing stigma, the country hopes to foster a supportive environment for individuals living with mental health conditions.

The WHO’s support and Sri Lanka’s commitment signal a new era for mental health care, one that prioritizes wellbeing, inclusivity, and autonomy. With a continued focus on these transformative changes, Sri Lanka could emerge as a regional leader in mental health reform, offering hope to millions across South-East Asia.