Putting the mental health of children and adolescents at the center of COVID-19 recovery-the world

WHO / Europe and Greece launch new joint agreement for 53 countries in Europe and Central Asia

Copenhagen / Athens, March 21, 2022

Today, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Greece and the WHO European Regional Office have launched a new program to support and promote the quality of mental health care for children and adolescents in all 53 countries of the WHO European region.

In commemoration of the opening of a new WHO quality care office in Athens, which began at an official ceremony held by the Greek Ministry of Health, the program is between WHO / Europe and the Greek Government throughout the health system. The result of ongoing partnerships and collaborations. Spectrum — Includes important areas of quality of care and patient safety.

Childhood and adolescence are important stages of life for mental health, as they are periods of rapid growth and development. Unfortunately, the mental health of WHO’s European children and adolescents was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and now for millions of children affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. I’ve been under great tension in recent years. During the pandemic, school closures and blockades left children isolated, separated from peers, and unable to optimally socialize and grow.

“Mental health and well-being are at the heart of our health system and are the key basic human rights to recover from a COVID-19 emergency. Pandemics have affected everyone in society, but children And the most vulnerable people, including young people. People are suffering the most. ” “The new program, launched today in collaboration with the Greek Government, is a concrete procedure and solution for improving and promoting mental health and the quality of available mental health services, with millions of children across the region. Supporting young people .. This in turn will lay a strong foundation for broader health and well-being throughout the life cycle. “

“As we recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we find ourselves in an position of unparalleled opportunity. This is an opportunity to prepare for the future resilience of our healthcare system,” said Health in the Republic of Greece. Minister Athanasios Plevris said. “Our greatest strength is our health, and we are proud that the quality of medical services is at the center of our agenda.”

Building strong, high-quality mental health services for the next generation

The new WHO program will begin addressing the mental health challenges that result from the negative effects of a pandemic, while at the same time impacting the mental health of millions of children and adolescents affected by the current humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. I have it in mind. ..

Experiencing armed conflict, war, displacement, and family separation can have immeasurable and often long-term adverse effects on people’s mental health, especially for vulnerable groups such as children and adolescents.

Problems can occur during safe transit. For example, relapses of existing conditions, anxiety and stress about meeting basic needs, and weakening of community support structures can interfere with the use of traditional coping strategies.

“Meeting people’s mental health needs, especially children and adolescents, whether due to an unprecedented pandemic or a sudden humanitarian crisis, must be at the heart of a functioning health system. Obviously, we look forward to working closely with all 53 countries in our region to achieve this, “said Dr. Kruge.

Happy and confident children and adolescents may bring this into adulthood and more easily build resilience in the face of adversity. However, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability in adolescents around the world, and suicide is the fourth leading cause of death between the ages of 15 and 19.

Through the new program, WHO / Europe will work with countries to improve the mental and emotional health of young people through:

• Support the development of national strategies and frameworks and the sharing of lessons learned. Many countries have already developed successful approaches, but many need a common platform for sharing knowledge and expertise. The new WHO program makes this possible more appropriately.
• Expertise to translate findings and lessons learned into practical tools and policies that support the mental health needs of children and adolescents.
• Cataloging the quality of care for children and the mental care system of adolescents in the Mediterranean and Southeastern Europe.
• Development of a package of tools for measuring clinical processes against evidence-based criteria.

Based on strong partnerships and collaborations

Greece is not unfamiliar with the joint initiative with WHO / Europe to support mental health care.

In July 2021, the WHO / European and Greek governments culminated in co-sponsoring a high-level summit, appealing for mental health at the heart of the post-pandemic recovery process.

At the national level, Greece prioritizes mental health and includes it in its national reconstruction program.

Greece also boasts a significant number of child and adolescent psychiatrists and psychologists who have helped build networks and establish solid protocols and guidelines among mental health professionals working in this area.

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Note to editors:

The WHO Center of Excellence for Quality of Care and Patient Safety in Athens Opened in April 2021, today’s event commemorates the launch of the official facility.

The office was established with the vision of improving the quality of care and patient safety. WHO European Working Program (EPW) -United Action for better health in Europe. The Secretariat supports national efforts to build effective and resilient healthcare systems.

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the WHO European Regional Office has made mental health one of its main areas of work. In September 2021, WHO / Europe launched the first ever Pan-European Mental Health Coalition, a partnership dedicated to improving mental health throughout the region. Interested organizations and individuals with mental health expertise are encouraged to join the Union by completing the “Join the Pan-European Mental Health Union”. shape..

The WHO Europe Regional Office We support 53 countries and regions and aim to provide a European work program from 2020 to 2025.

For more information, including media interviews, please contact:

Lamy Slur, WHO / Europe: [email protected]; [email protected]

Alexandra Cridara, Ministry of Health of Greece: [email protected]