GENEVA, 17 Oct. - (ANA) - There’s a new call from the UN World Health Organization (WHO) to reform mental health services by developing community-based models.

 

According to WHO, about half of all those living in psychiatric hospitals and other institutions around the world had no choice when they were admitted.

 

This is despite the fact that people living with mental health conditions “can flourish in their communities when given the right support”, the agency insisted.

 

Mark van Ommeren, Head of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, said large numbers in need of services “are forced to live beyond closed doors. About half were brought in against their will, stripped of basic daily choices like what to wear, when to eat and cut off from the outside world.”

 

 

 

 

WHO said that many countries still rely heavily on psychiatric institutions and that across the world, nearly half of all public mental health funding is spent on maintaining them.

 

This leaves millions of people unable to get the care they need in general hospitals or in the community.

 

The WHO applauded Sri Lanka for replacing its isolated mental health institutions with community-based services.

 

Today, the country delivers care through inpatient and outpatient units in hospitals, clinics and rehabilitation units.

 

“When care is characterized by coercion, rigid control, or social isolation, it risks becoming a form of confinement rather than care,” WHO stressed.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/17 October 2026 - - -