Republic of Moldova - consensus on actions to strengthen mental health services

Recently, the Republic of Moldova established a national intersectoral committee on mental health to address the development in linking mental health services to overall health system development.

WHO/Europe was invited to assess progress made in developing mental health community services over the last years.

The visit included a workshop with key stakeholders to finalize a draft national mental health programme (2012-2016) and action plan.  Participants reached a consensus on the priority actions needed to concentrate on strengthening mental health services. These actions will be further elaborated and taken forward by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Moldova. The final national programme opens up concrete opportunities for cooperation with donors on specific areas for supporting the country in developing mental health services.

Workshop participants included the head of the Department of Health Care Policies of the ministry of health, primary health care representatives, mental health specialists, academics and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs).