Nepal highlights lived experience as key to transforming mental health care

People with lived experience of mental health conditions must have a meaningful role in shaping the policies, programmes and services that affect their lives, the Ministry of Health and Food Safety (MoHFS) and WHO Country Office for Nepal emphasized as they marked World Mental Health Day under the theme “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”. 

Speaking at the event, Dr Allison Gocotano, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal, highlighted the barriers many people in Nepal continue to face in accessing quality mental health care, despite progress in recognizing mental health as a public health priority. Dr Gocotano called for accessible, quality-assured and rights-based services, stronger collaboration across sectors, and the integration of mental health and psychosocial support into emergency response and recovery. 

World Mental Health Day marked at the premises of National Health Training Center, Ministry of Health and Food Safety, in Nepal. Photo credit: WHO Nepal

The event was held in the presence of Honourable Minister for Health and Food Safety Ms Neesha Mehta and brought together more than 120 participants, including government officials, partners and media representatives. 

Honourable Minister for Health and Food Safety Ms Neesha Mehta reaffirmed that mental health is a fundamental human right and highlighted government efforts to strengthen the policy and legal framework, integrate mental health into basic health services, expand hospital beds and access to essential medicines, develop the health workforce and improve the use of local budgets. She called for stronger coordination across all three tiers of government, enhanced mental health support during emergencies and greater public awareness to address stigma and discrimination, encouraging people experiencing mental health difficulties to seek support through the national helpline 1166. 

A key highlight of the event was the presentation of a memorandum developed by people with lived experience to the Health Minister, calling for mental health services that are effective, accessible, inclusive and people-centred. Participants also heard firsthand perspectives from people with lived experience, reinforcing the importance of moving beyond listening to ensuring their voices inform decisions and drive change. 

The National Guideline on Suicide Risk Assessment and Management, 2083, was launched at the programme, outlining three evidence-based interventions: initiating conversations about suicide risk, collaboratively developing safety plans and maintaining supportive follow-up through phone calls, SMS or home visits by community gatekeepers. 

Four civil society organizations – Center for Mental Health & Counselling-Nepal (CMC-Nepal), Transcultural Psychosocial Organization Nepal (TPO Nepal), KOSHISH and Child Workers in Nepal (CWIN Nepal) – were recognized for their contributions to mental health and psychosocial support. 

The event reinforced a shared commitment to building a mental health system that responds to people’s needs, protects their rights and ensures that lived experience helps shape the services and decisions that affect their lives.