79th WHA Individual Statements
Economic Strategy needed in Mental Health investment
WPA’ s Prague agreement 2025 co -signed by mental health charities and organisations from across world regions is calling on global financiers – including the capital markets, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund – to urge for national investment in mental health as a marker of sustainable economic development.
Mental illness is the leading cause of disability worldwide and disproportionately affects young people, undermining workforce participation, productivity, and long-term economic growth.
An estimated 1.1 billion people – nearly one in seven globally – are living with a mental illness. Mental ill health accounts for approximately 15% of the global burden of disease, yet on average only around 2% of government health budgets are allocated to mental healthcare.
The cost of inaction is already visible. The opportunity for change is firmly within reach.