4 December- PAHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Unit hosted a webinar with country Directors of Mental Health to present the results of a regional rapid assessment of the impact of COVID-19 on mental, neurological and substance use (MNS) services in the Americas.
The rapid assessment, developed by the WHO Department of Mental Health and Substance Use, in collaboration with the six WHO regional offices, was completed by designated focal points of 29 of 35 (83%) PAHO Member States that received it, as well as by 5 PAHO territories. It contained questions on three thematic areas: 1) mental health and psychosocial support; 2) MNS services during the COVID-19 pandemic; and 3) surveillence and research concerning MNS disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key finding from the assessment indicated that MNS services in the Region have been significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly outpatient and community-based services. In 7 of 28 (25%) countries, at least 75% of MNS-related services were reported as being completely or partially disrupted, including some emergency and essential MNS services. Notably, MNS services for children and adolescents as well as for pregant women and new mothers, both vulnerable groups, were shown to be severely impacted.
Importantly, however, countries were finding innovative ways to overcome these disruptions, including tele-medicine and tele-therapy, helplines for mental health and psychosocial support, and the implementation of specific measures for infection prevention and control in mental health services. After a presentation of the survey results, Mental Health Directors in attendance discussed the unique ways in which they are working to ensure continuous MNS services in their respective countries.