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Need2Know - Men, Mental Health and Non-Communicable Diseases
Men's mental health and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) represent interconnected public health challenges, with men experiencing disproportionate burdens in both areas worldwide. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory conditions, are the leading causes of death globally, and men face higher rates of premature mortality than women.
Here is what you “need to know” from the current evidence base.
#MHForAll Webinar: Breaking Barriers - Reclaiming ‘mad activism’, shifting power and centring lived experience
At this webinar, our expert speakers discussed the crucial role these movements have played in shaping “expertise by experience” as we know it. We examined the role of lived experience in shaping the future of mental health policy, practice, science and advocacy, as well as what we need to understand to make this future a reality.
Our work for the 2025 High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health
This is an important year for global mental health. In September 2025, for the first time in the history of the United Nations, mental health will be discussed at the core of a meeting of Heads of State at the General Assembly. GMHAN has been playing a strategic role as the convener of the sector since early 2024, coordinating the global sector and ensuring that the voices of lived experience are being heard at the highest level.
“An uncertain future” - The impacts of United States and other Government Funding Cuts on Global Mental Health Services
This year’s funding cuts by the US Government (on funds such as USAID and PEPFAR) and other countries' reduction of aid have been felt intensely around the world. Our joint work between the Global Mental Health Action Network and the Mental Health Innovation Network now outlines for the first time the impact of these funding cuts on global mental health.
WHA78 - A Milestone for Global Mental Health Advocacy
The Global Mental Health Action Network’s (GMHAN) presence at the World Health Assembly (WHA78) was about more than just hosting and participating in events, it was our strategy in practice. Our activities and engagements are an example of the change we hope to see in the mental health and broader health sectors, with community voices and experts by experience meaningfully included in shaping global policy.
A Transformative Moment for Global Mental Health Advocacy
Ahead of the 4th UN High-Level Meeting (HLM) on NCDs and Mental Health, the Global Mental Health Action Network mobilised a delegation of 40 advocates from 30 countries in NYC. Over just 4 days, we hosted an advocacy workshop, held 23 meetings with UN missions covering 5 continents, participated in 7 side events, and carried one unified message at the UN Multistakeholder Hearing: mental health must be prioritised at the upcoming HLM.
Raising Our Voices for Mental Health at the multi-stakeholder hearing ahead of the UN HLM on NCDs and Mental Health - Mariyam’s spotlight.
As the world prepares for the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health, members of the Global Mental Health Action Network are stepping up to ensure mental health is treated as a core pillar of global health and development.
Next week in New York, a powerful and diverse group of GMHAN advocates—including youth leaders, community health workers, researchers, and policymakers—are taking part in the multi-stakeholder hearing to call for urgent action and meaningful change. We are honoured to introduce these inspiring changemakers and the vital work they lead.
Raising Our Voices for Mental Health at the multi-stakeholder hearing ahead of the UN HLM on NCDs and Mental Health - Yana’s spotlight.
As the world prepares for the 2025 United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health, members of the Global Mental Health Action Network are stepping up to ensure mental health is treated as a core pillar of global health and development.
They bring lived experience, expertise, and a deep understanding of the impact of mental health conditions and NCDs in their communities. We are honoured to introduce these inspiring changemakers and the vital work they lead.
Reflections from participants from the youth multi-stakeholder hearing.
Young people are key drivers of change in the mental health movement and their leadership was on full display at the recent youth multi-stakeholder hearing organised by the World Health Organization. Held as part of the lead up to the 2025 UN High Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, the event brought together advocates from across the globe to share their experiences.
At GMHAN we are proud to see young people from our network participating in this critical dialogue and below we share some of their reflections. They speak about their work, their takeaways from the event and what they hope to see on the road to the 2025 HLM.
Why We Should All Back the Kigali Youth Declaration and the Call to Lead
As we approach the UN High-Level Meeting on the Prevention and Control of Non-communicable Diseases (HLM4) in September 2025, there is a real opportunity to secure meaningful commitments that prioritise mental health in the global NCD response. Two key advocacy tools can help make that happen: the Kigali Youth Declaration and The Call to Lead on NCDs.
Beyond the Counseling Room: Rethinking Mental Health Access in Modern China
Mental health care in China is changing but not quickly enough for the people quietly struggling today. The challenge isn’t just awareness or resources; it’s how we scale care, build trust, and create culturally responsive systems that meet people where they are.
Universal Health Coverage Cannot Exist Without Mental Health: A Call to Bold Action
Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is a promise—that no one, regardless of where they live or how much they earn, is denied the healthcare they need. Yet, despite the aspiration, this promise remains incomplete because mental health continues to be undervalued, underfunded, and under-prioritised.
#MHForAll Webinar: Religion, Faith and Mental Health
Religion, faith, and spirituality have long been intertwined with mental health, offering both profound benefits and significant challenges. At a #MHForAll webinar, experts explored this complex relationship, asking: How can we harness the benefits of faith for mental health while addressing its potential harms?
Celebrating Women Leading Change in Global Mental Health
This #InternationalWomensDay, we’re celebrating 5 incredible women who are changing the world through their leadership in mental health advocacy. All 5 are co-chairs of the Global Mental Health Action Network , a collective of advocates driving positive change in mental health worldwide. From suicide prevention to tackling stigma, their work is transforming lives and creating a more equitable future for #ForAllWomenAndGirls.
Need2Know - How to address the Commercial Determinants of Health
The Commercial Determinants of Health (CDoH) refer to strategies and approaches used by the private sector to promote products and choices that influence public health. Understanding the commercial forces influencing health is crucial because corporate practices and market dynamics play a major role in shaping environments and behaviours that contribute to the development and perpetuation of harm and illness.
Here is what you “need to know” from the current evidence base.
Impact of USAID and other Government Funding Cuts on Global Mental Health Services - and reimagining development funding
The Global Mental Action Network and the Mental Health Innovation Network are partnering in a project that seeks to understand the impact of government aid funding cuts on mental health services worldwide and reimagine how the sector works.
UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health - Priorities for Mental Health
Our new HLM briefing document highlights key priorities for achieving equitable, integrated, and rights-based mental health services worldwide and is meant to support UN Member States, policymakers, and advocates.
The briefing is endorsed by leading global organisations, Save the Children, World Federation for Mental Health, PATH, MHPSS Collaborative and. Let’s unite around shared priorities and influence the outcomes of the HLM!
Reflecting on COP29
Written by Shoukat Ali Baloch. There is no good and bad COP. However, focusing on mental health, I have observed during multilateral negotiations and party meetings, lobbyings and also personal meetings with delegates from the parties, that mental health was on their agenda and they were discussing it broadly to address the integration of mental health stressors at the grassroots level.
Power of Collective Advocacy at the G20
The G20 Brazil is over and the presidency was delivered to South Africa… No concept better represents the essence of our work than Ubuntu—“I am because we are.” This philosophy of interconnectedness and mutual care defines the work of a group dedicated to initially advocate for the Mantra and the prioritisation of the investment of Children and Adolescents Mental health, and later, collectively building the #ChildrenInG20
A Step Toward Change: Highlights from the Generational Perspective Dialogue on Mental Health
By Don Zane Muwanguzi, Team lead/founder Awesome Minds Speaks
On World Mental Health Day (10th October 2024), the Generational Perspective Dialogue organised by Awesome Mind Speaks brought together youth, policymakers, mental health professionals, and community leaders, to tackle the pressing mental health challenges faced by Uganda's young people.