Since 2013, the World Health Organization (WHO) has organized global campaigns for World Mental Health Day. This year's theme is "Make mental health and well-being a global priority for all."
In Armenia, as in the whole world, the number of people with mental health problems is increasing, and the proportion of the prevalence of mental disorders is changing, the reason for which is recent adverse factors affecting mental health (population aging, pandemic, war, uncontrolled flow of information, etc.).
According to statistical data, the number of persons with mental health problems registered in Armenia was: 32717 in 2000, 51167 in 2015, 57164 in 2019, and 60222 in 2021, recording an increase in morbidity. Also, the number of people with mental health problems under dispensary supervision has increased.
From the point of view of mental health, vulnerable groups are persons injured in emergencies, either due to military or terrorist operations, children, adolescents, and the elderly. Early detection, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of mental health problems in the mentioned groups, ensuring the quality of medical care and service, as well as the inclusion of a person in society, will reduce the number of people who are in a difficult life situation due to mental disorders and will improve the quality of life of the beneficiaries.
To improve the policy and legislation in the field of mental health, to provide quality services, to ensure the protection of the rights of people with mental health problems and their families, and to raise public awareness, the "2022-2026 Plan of Measures for the Protection and Improvement of Mental Health" was approved.
At the same time, for the sector's continuous development, on the initiative of the Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan, a "Mental Health" coalition was created with the involvement of more than 40 organizations whose members signed a memorandum of cooperation.
The goal is to address the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and post-war mental health issues in Armenia and integrate mental health services into primary health care.
