Mental health in the spotlight in Hungary

Mental ill health accounts for almost 20% of the burden of disease in the WHO European Region and mental health problems affect one in four people at some time in life. Much is now known about what works in mental health promotion, prevention, care and treatment. The challenge is now to implement this knowledge.

To mark World Mental Health Day and raise awareness about mental health issues, the Hungarian Psychiatric Association and the WHO Country Office in Hungary held a joint press conference on 9 October 2012. The conference was attended by partners and  nongovernmental organizations and received wide media coverage.

At the same time, the Ministry of Health announced plans to update the National Mental Health Programme in accordance with the WHO European Mental Health Action Plan.