The World Health Organization (WHO) and Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) have signed a three-year agreement to expand access to mental health care in Jordan and Nepal. The partnership, running through 2028, aims to improve support for people living with mental, neurological and substance use conditions.
In Jordan, the initiative will expand counselling services in East Amman and provide acute secondary mental health care for children and adults at Al Basheer Hospital. In Nepal, it will establish psychosocial support mental health corners in 10 district hospitals and strengthen mental health support for young people through the national school mental health framework.
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“I am proud to see Lions helping reduce stigma, raise awareness, and expand access to care in communities around the world,” said A.P Singh, LCIF Chairperson.
With more than 1 billion people globally living with a mental health condition, the partnership will also focus on raising awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek care. WHO and Lions Clubs will document service users’ experiences to help strengthen mental health services in both countries.
“The treatment gap for people living with mental health conditions can be over 95% in some countries,” said Dr Mark van Ommeren, Head of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Unit. “This Lions Club International and WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health joint effort is a great example of how we can collaborate and work towards common goals.”
