One billion people with neglected diseases face mental health crisis warns WHO

ISLAMABAD: More than 1 billion people worldwide affected by neglected tropical diseases are experiencing a largely invisible mental health crisis, according to a new World Health Organization (WHO) report.

The WHO's "Essential Care Package to Address Mental Health and Stigma for Persons with Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)" reveals stark findings. People with these conditions experience depression, anxiety, and suicidal behaviors at rates significantly higher than the general population.

"Over 1 billion people worldwide are affected by neglected tropical diseases and a similar number are affected by mental health conditions," the report noted. "These independently burdensome conditions are significantly interlinked."

Stigma drives the crisis as people with NTDs face discrimination and social exclusion. They encounter barriers to employment and marriage. These experiences create distress. Worry, fear, sadness and insecurity contribute to isolation and worsening mental health.

The stigma prevents affected persons from seeking treatment. Many delay care or avoid it entirely, worsening both their physical rehabilitation and mental well-being.

"Stigma creates barriers to participation in society," the report warned, leading to decreased quality of life and delayed help-seeking.

Some NTDs directly affect the brain, including human African trypanosomiasis and neurocysticercosis. Others cause visible disfigurement.

Leprosy, cutaneous leishmaniasis and lymphatic filariasis make affected people particularly vulnerable to social exclusion.

Women and girls suffer more severe stigma than men. Existing societal disadvantages compound the problem. Female genital schistosomiasis is wrongly associated with sexual misconduct, leading to social ostracism.

Suicide rates are elevated among people with stigmatizing conditions like leprosy while increased substance use has also been documented.

Addressing this crisis requires more than health services. Social, psychological and socioeconomic factors must be tackled. This ensures inclusion and improved well-being.

"Historically, the intersection of mental health and NTDs has been neglected," the document states. "Without its adoption the broader agenda of eliminating NTDs will be hindered."

The essential care package outlines evidence-based interventions. These cover prevention, identification and treatment of mental health conditions. The package provides strategies to reduce stigma through education, social contact and advocacy.

Health workers need training to screen for mental health conditions. They must provide basic psychological support. The report recommends integrating mental health indicators into routine NTD data collection.

Community-level interventions matter. Peer support groups can reduce self-stigma. They promote physical and mental self-care.

The WHO calls for multisectoral collaboration. This involves education, employment, and water and sanitation services. Policy reforms must eliminate discriminatory laws and practices. These perpetuate structural stigma.

"A person-centered approach is essential," the report states. This ensures people's multiple specific needs are addressed effectively.

WHO developed the document through collaboration. Partners included civil society organizations and representatives of people affected by NTDs. The Coalition for Research on NTDs and UK Aid provided financial support.