6th Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit Discusses Transition Challenges from Global

English , Qatar - قطر , RKI Ad , / Tuesday, September 30th, 2025

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Doha, September 30 (QNA) – The Sixth Global Ministerial Mental Health Summit, which opened in Doha on Tuesday, held a plenary session under the theme “From Global Commitment to National Action: Key Messages and Implications of the United Nations High-Level Meeting on Non-Communicable Diseases.” The session gathered leading experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) and United for Global Mental Health.
Speakers emphasized that the recent adoption of the UN Political Declaration on Non-Communicable Diseases marks a significant milestone, moving mental health from the margins to the core of public health. They stressed the importance of integrating mental health into universal health coverage, investing in research and innovation, building human resource capacity, and supporting vulnerable groups.
HE Dr. Jaleela bint Sayed Jawad Hasan, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Bahrain, underlined that the declaration provides a roadmap capable of transforming lives through timely interventions. She highlighted the need for inclusivity, measurable targets, reliable data, and increased investment in digital research to strengthen mental health systems.
WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean, Dr. Hanan Balkhy, called for greater international and domestic financing, affordable healthcare strategies, and sustainable universal health coverage. She noted the importance of access to medicines, workforce development, and digital systems to improve service delivery. Dr. Balkhy also pointed to the impact of conflict on mental health, stressing the need for peace and stability in regions such as Gaza and Sudan.
Prof. Dr. Majid Ali Al Abdullah, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist and Head of Psychiatry at Hamad Medical Corporation, presented scientific approaches for enhancing mental health policies. He underscored the need to integrate mental health into comprehensive public health programs, improving service efficiency and advancing sustainable development.
The two-day summit brings together health ministers, policymakers, and specialists from around the world to explore innovative interventions that expand access to mental health services and improve their quality. Participants aim to strengthen international cooperation, accelerate national implementation, and ensure that mental health remains a global priority within public health systems.