The Guardian: 800,000 people kill themselves every year. What can we do?
Tedros Adhanom, director general of the WHO, and Lady Gaga, co-founder of Born This Way Foundation

“…Suicide is the most extreme and visible symptom of the larger mental health emergency we are so far failing to adequately address. Stigma, fear, and lack of understanding compound the suffering of those affected and prevent the bold action that is so desperately needed and so long overdue. … The time has come for us all, collectively, to tackle the causes and symptoms of mental illness, and provide care for those who suffer from it. … We can all help to build communities that understand, respect, and prioritize mental wellness. … And we can all be a part of a new movement — including people who have faced mental illness themselves — to call on governments and industry to put mental health at the top of their agendas. … Meaningful and sustained government leadership is essential … [P]olitical leadership, funding, innovation, and individual acts of bravery and compassion can change the world. It is time to do the same for mental health” (10/9).

The National: U.N. Secretary-General: It’s time to act on mental health
António Guterres, secretary general of the U.N.

“…[F]or too long, mental health has been mostly an afterthought, despite its overwhelming impacts on communities and young people, everywhere. … The 2030 Agenda is clear: We must leave no one behind. Yet, those struggling with mental health problems are still being marginalized. Healthy societies require greater integration of mental health into broader health and social care systems, under the umbrella of universal health coverage. The United Nations is committed to creating a world where by 2030 everyone, everywhere has someone to turn to in support of their mental health, in a world free of stigma and discrimination. If we change our attitude to mental health — we change the world. It is time to act on mental health” (10/10).

The KFF Daily Global Health Policy Report summarized news and information on global health policy from hundreds of sources, from May 2009 through December 2020. All summaries are archived and available via search.

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