WHO Targets Poor Countries For action of Mental Illness

 The World Health Organization is introduction new guidelines to simplify the action of mental and neurological disorders. The World Health Organization estimates worldwide, more than 150 million people suffer from depression. About 125 million are precious by alcohol-use disorders and millions more suffer from diseases such as epilepsy, Alzheimer's and other dementias.

WHO Director-General Margaret Chan says people in poor countries miss out on care because it is generally believed that sophisticated and expensive technologies are essential in improving mental health.

"In other words, we face a misperception that mental health care is a luxury item, a comfort item on the health agenda ... It costs two dollars per person per year," Chan explained. "It is one of the best buys you can get. High profile disease always get the attention and mental disorders are disorders that people often do not talk about, brush aside, sweep under the carpet."