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Dear John,

On World Mental Health Day I wanted to reflect on our work to support people’s mental health.

Mental health is one of the most neglected health rights. It is estimated that 60% of people attending primary care clinics have a diagnosable mental disorder (WHO: 2008), yet more than 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use disorders in low or middle income countries receive no treatment for their condition (WHO Mental Health Action Plan, 2020). At Health Poverty Action we are fighting for a world where everyone has access to mental health support.

Our policy and campaigns team works with governments to create strategies for tackling mental health problems. Mental health rights can be neglected due to the stigma that surrounds them. We advocate a comprehensive approach to mental health that tackles stigma and reduces inequalities. You can learn more about the role of stigma, and the importance of ensuring mental health support does not lead to further stigmatisation in this Lancet report launched today.

The report, which is the result of a collaboration of more than 50 people worldwide underscores the fact that stigma and discrimination contravene basic human rights and have severe, toxic effects on people with mental health conditions that exacerbate marginalisation and social exclusion.

Learn more about stigma and mental health by reading this Lancet report [[link removed](22)01470-2/fulltext]

We, alongside partners including our sister organisation Find Your Feet, also provided direct mental health support. Our project in the Chimanimani district in Zimbabwe reached almost 2,500 people with mental health services, training community leaders, as well as promoted the integration of culturally appropriate, community care. The traumatic experiences caused by the 2019 cyclone and Covid-19 pandemic meant this project was vital.

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Thank you for your ongoing support for our work to reduce inequalities in mental health.

In solidarity

Hamimu Masudi, Policy and Campaigns Officer

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Our postal address is Kemp House, 152-160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX

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