Data & research
Data
Health information data for mental and brain health conditions is often lacking at country level or limited to certain geographic regions or demographics. In particular, low- and middle-income countries have limited epidemiological and health systems data.
The Department of Mental Health and Substance Use assists countries in strengthening health information systems for mental and brain health conditions through ongoing projects such as the Mental Health ATLAS and Neurology ATLAS or the Global Dementia Observatory (GDO).
The department’s efforts also support the global monitoring of relevant WHA mandates and UN SDG targets with indicators 3.4.2 (reduction of suicide mortality), 3.5.1 (treatment coverage for substance use disorders) and 3.5.2 (alcohol consumption). To find out more about the Department’s contributions to SDG monitoring see here: suicide reduction and alcohol/substance use.
Research
Global research for mental and brain health conditions remains highly fragmented, with broad variability in levels of investment and quality of research, creating an urgent need to strengthen global research infrastructure, especially in low-income settings. Ensuring research harmonization and investigative approaches that cover prevention, treatment and cure, while ensuring research efforts are rooted in equity, diversity, and inclusiveness, is of critical importance.
WHO facilitates regular communication and information exchange between stakeholders in countries of all income levels in support of a globally-connected mental and brain health research community.
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