Mental Health World Conference 2026

Abstract

Mental health is increasingly acknowledged as a critical yet under-integrated dimension of disaster risk reduction (DRR), especially among low and middle income countries (LMICs). Disasters have traditionally been viewed as immediate physical events, but accumulating evidence points to a substantial and enduring burden of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder PTSD. These conditions, however, are not merely a by product of disaster but amplify vulnerability and decrease coping ability. International frameworks, specifically the Sendai Framework and WHO guidelines, aim for an integrated and people-centred approach; however, mental health has not been operationalised within DRR and primary health care PHC systems.
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to map and critically synthesise global evidence on the integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into DRR and PHC systems, for the purposes of informing formulation of resilient, scalable, and contextually appropriate frameworks that would be suited for LMICs.
Methods: Utilizing Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, a scoping review methodology was applied and reported following PRISMA ScR guidelines. A full search was performed on PubMed MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO databases, and grey literature sources like UNDRR and IASC. After identifying the relevant studies, we screened all studies from 2000 to 2025 using PCC (Population Concept Context) criteria. Data were systematically extracted and followed thematic content analysis to discern patterns, gaps, and integration pathways.
Results: Of the 12,142 records identified, 10 studies met inclusion criteria. The comprehensive evidence base covered global policy frameworks, guidelines, mapping reviews, and a few intervention studies. Results suggest that mental health is well accepted as a consequence and contributor to disaster risk factors, but integration in DRR systems is often sporadic and fragmented. PHC proved to be the most practical and scalable platform via which they could be integrated, allowing early detection of the disease, continuity of care and interspersing with other services already in place such as HIV and TB programmes. Task shifting and capacity building particularly via WHO mhGAP initiatives were found to be quite promising in resource poor settings. Yet, a huge implementation gap remains where interventions are not embedded in routine programmes but delivered as short term, vertical programmes. Outcome measures were extremely heterogeneous, predominantly focusing on PTSD and neglecting common mental disorders. In Namibia, these challenges are compounded by workforce limitations, stigma and limited uptake of PHC platforms.