Consultative workshop on National Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030 held

Kathmandu, Bagmati Province — The Epidemiology and Disease Control Division under the Ministry of Health and Population, in collaboration with WHO Country Office for Nepal, convened a one-day consultative workshop to initiate the process to develop the National Mental Health Strategy 2026-2030. The event brought together over 50 representatives from key ministries, including the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology; Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security; Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens and Ministry of Home Affairs. Participants also included representatives from the National Planning Commission, provincial and primary health care focal persons, hospitals, academia, development partners including UNICEF and UNFPA, and civil society organizations. Technical presentations by the MoHP outlined the current epidemiological burden and mental health service delivery landscape, while WHO highlighted relevant global models from low- and middle-income countries and their applicability to Nepal. An evaluation of the previous strategy’s implementation was also presented. Discussions focused on identifying priorities, gaps, and lessons learned, and assessing emerging mental health needs through evidence and multi-level consultations. Following the workshop, WHO will support the MoHP in updating the strategy and action plan to operationalize the constitutional right to mental health in Nepal.