Spain is advocating for a more integrated approach to mental health and substance use, pushing for standardized global indicators and a stronger focus on primary care during its participation in the session of the 158th meeting of the WHO Executive Board. Spanish Minister of Health, Mónica García, emphasized the need to support member states in developing a unified response that addresses the common determinants and systemic challenges related to mental wellbeing and addiction.
According to a statement released by the Spanish Ministry of Health, the government intends to champion the advancement of a global framework of standardized indicators. This framework would encompass social determinants, as well as the availability, accessibility, and acceptability of care. This initiative reflects a growing international awareness of the complex interplay between social factors and mental health outcomes.
Prioritizing Primary Care and Non-Pharmacological Approaches
A key component of Spain’s strategy, as outlined by García, is to underscore the importance of mental healthcare delivered within primary care settings. This involves investing in the training and capacity building of primary care professionals to effectively address mental health concerns. Spain aims to prioritize the use of non-pharmacological interventions, appropriate deprescriber of psychopharmaceuticals, and the prescription of social measures and community action. This shift signals a move away from a solely medication-based approach to mental health treatment, towards a more holistic and preventative model.
The Spanish government also envisions a specialized mental health network that is both accessible and flexible, based on the Quality Rights methodology. This network would feature multidisciplinary teams and provide targeted care for individuals with severe mental disorders and psychosocial disabilities. Integrating rehabilitation resources, social inclusion programs, housing support, and alternatives to hospitalization are also considered crucial elements of this network.
Leveraging Data and Addressing Systemic Inequalities
Spain recognizes the value of robust data collection and analysis in improving mental health outcomes. The country particularly values the strengthening of tools like the Mental Health Atlas, with technical support from the WHO Secretariat, to enhance the comparability and analysis of data. This commitment to data-driven decision-making underscores a desire for evidence-based policies and interventions.
Beyond clinical interventions, Spain is advocating for a broader integration of mental health considerations into all policy areas. This includes addressing inequalities related to housing, socioeconomic status, employment, climate change, discrimination, and violence. The Spanish government believes that tackling these systemic issues is essential for creating a society that promotes mental wellbeing for all its citizens.
Spain emphasizes the importance of strengthening local community resources, promoting equity, community empowerment, and social connection. This approach recognizes the vital role that communities play in supporting mental health and fostering a sense of belonging.
Spain’s Ongoing Commitment to Global Health
Spain’s active engagement with the WHO Executive Board builds upon a long-standing partnership with the World Health Organization, dating back to . The country has consistently supported WHO’s efforts to strengthen health systems globally, combat diseases like polio, malaria, and neglected tropical diseases, and build better emergency medical teams. Spain has also made significant contributions to the fight against COVID-19, providing both financial support and vaccine donations, particularly to countries with fragile health systems in sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America.
This commitment extends to pandemic preparedness, with Spain supporting the development of an international convention or instrument to strengthen prevention, preparedness, and response efforts. The country is also a member of the High-Level Coalition and Energy, working to expand access to clean, sustainable energy as a means of improving global health. Spain’s leadership in organ and tissue transplantation is also being leveraged to increase the availability of these life-saving procedures, particularly in lower-income countries.
Spain’s seat on the WHO Executive Board, as highlighted in the Spanish Global Health Strategy 2025-2030, provides a platform to further advance these priorities and shape global health policy. The country’s focus on mental health, as demonstrated at the recent Executive Board meeting, reflects a growing recognition of the importance of addressing this often-overlooked aspect of global health. WONCA’s participation in the 156th session of the WHO Executive Board, emphasizing the vital role of family doctors, aligns with Spain’s focus on primary care as a cornerstone of mental health services.
The emphasis on integrating lived experience into mental health services, as outlined in a recent WHO Europe publication from , further underscores the evolving landscape of mental healthcare. Spain’s commitment to these principles positions it as a key player in shaping a more equitable and effective global mental health system.
