The International Community: Aware but Stagnant
When it comes to providing equitable healthcare resources, the international community seems to have some trouble putting its money where its mouth is. Despite the recent comprehensive report from the Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health, what Joanne Silberner describes as a “lament that the world is ignoring millions of suffering people,” that highlights the extreme need for addressing the pervasive issue, financial priorities have yet to change.
To explain the lack of funding despite great need, a recent NPR article claims that stigma is partially to blame. It’s also clear that in the eyes of many policy makers and non-governmental organizations, the mind is insignificant when the physical health of a person is at risk. Maslow’s hierarchy reigns, and ignored is the amassing research that indicates how influential mental health is on the body’s ability to fight infections as well as on cardiovascular and neurological health.
One potential reason that funding efforts to improve mental health globally have yet to reach an appropriate threshold is the investment side of the equation. The same NPR article states:
"With vaccines, one shot costs a set amount, and a person is protected for life. Not so with mental illnesses. 'Talking about the big funds, and the Gates Foundation is a classic example, investors want to know how much it costs,' he says. While inexpensive treatments have been developed, how long people will need to use them is an open question. The Gates Foundation does not fund mental illness research or care though it does fund studies on the cognitive development of children. In a statement to NPR, global health chief Trevor Mundel says, 'There is no question that mental health disorders are a significant cause of death and disability, and more investment is needed.'"
An incredibly significant factor in addressing mental health globally, let alone post-conflict, is the magnitude of resources available to fund research, training, and workers on the ground. Cognitive dissonance seems to be the reaction of the organizations we expect to intervene. A major question becomes, if knowledge of the severity of an issue doesn’t prompt action, what will?
I’d love to hear ideas on potentially motivating factors for investment. Feel free to comment your thoughts or ask questions -- discourse is encouraged!
Good morning! I will be representing the nation of France. France strongly believes mental health as a topic in general needs to be further discussed within the international community due to the fact that as many as 1 in 4 individuals suffer from some sort of mental illness worldwide. To draw attention to the dire need of medical professionals and resources in conflict regions, France believes it is vital to utilize the services of mobile health clinics such as those provided for free by the France-based organization Medecins Sans Frontieres. However, the extent of such humanitarian actions is often hindered by the growing cost of adequate resources which in turn leads to the termination of their work in a certain region with conflict. To combat the inconsistency of the deployment of humanitarian aid France believes it is necessary to invest in long term plans to effectively ensure that the mental or medical health care services are not halted for any reason. Specifically, France would like to aid many bodies in creating such plans through the guidance of other organizations that have implemented such plans before such as the Medecins Sans Frontieres. Thank you for such an insightful question!
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteBelgium believes that part of the reason why funding for mental health is not as prominent as that for physical health stems from the fact that mental health is a very personal issue. Treatment for mental health must be personalized in order to be effective, as each individual suffers from a different set of circumstances and as such, general treatments may not always work. This makes it difficult for investors to receive tangible results when investing in mental health research and treatments.
Therefore, Belgium believes that in order to receive greater funding, the stigma on mental health must be addressed. Additionally, investors must be confident in the fact that their money is contributing to successful results. Belgium proposes the creation of the United Nations Mental Health Movement, which will aim to promote awareness of mental health concerns to the general public through social media campaigns and public awareness programs. Though this movement may serve the global mental health community, it will also entail a division specifically for refugees and those in conflict zones. Belgium suggests that the United Nations choose refugee ambassadors through a random lottery; in order to qualify as a potential ambassador, a refugee must be officially diagnosed with a mental illness, be currently residing in a refugee camp, and be willing to participate. These ambassadors will document their story of mental health and their experiences as they begin to recover. Through these ambassadors, Belgium hopes to normalize mental health, which will motivate investors to contribute funds. In return, a portion of investor money will be directed at the specific treatment and aid of these ambassadors, while the rest of the money will be used to fund research, treatment, and aid for other refugees.
Overall, Belgium recommends the establishment of this movement, as it will shine a light on a previously hidden aspect of mental health. Thank you so much!