In recent years, there has been a growing need for improved capacity to address mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) conditions. To meet this challenge, the mhGAP guideline has been developed to provide non-specialist health workers in low and middle-income countries with high-quality, timely, transparent, and evidence-based guidance to effectively treat and care for individuals with MNS conditions.
The latest edition of the guideline includes 30 updated recommendations and 18 new recommendations, in addition to the 90 pre-existing recommendations. This represents the third iteration of the guideline and is the result of significant investment in the mhGAP programme over the past 15 years. The revised recommendations are designed to ensure that mhGAP continues to provide high-quality, timely, transparent, and evidence-based guidance to support non-specialist health workers in delivering treatment and care for individuals with MNS conditions.
With a focus on narrowing the treatment gap, these revised recommendations aim to improve access to mental health services in low and middle-income countries. The guidelines provide practical advice on how to identify individuals at risk of developing MNS conditions, how to assess their needs, and how to deliver appropriate interventions. The aim is to ensure that individuals with MNS conditions receive timely and effective treatment that meets their unique needs.
Overall, the mhGAP guideline is an important tool for improving mental health care in low and middle-income countries. By providing non-specialist health workers with high-quality guidance on treating MNS conditions, this initiative aims to reduce the treatment gap and improve outcomes for those who need it most. With ongoing investment in the mhGAP programme, it is hoped that these guidelines will continue to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of people living with MNS conditions around the world.
