Somalia: Policy brief: Investing in Mental Health

Why mental health matters, especially in conflict-affected settings Globally, mental, neurological and substance use disorders affect about 10% of the general population, but in countries affected by humanitarian crises, one in every five people is estimated to suffer from some form of mental disorder. More than 75% of people with mental, neurological and substance use conditions in low- and middle-income countries, especially in conflict and post-conflict settings, do not have access to effective mental health services. The lack of treatment increases the burden of illness in terms of mortality, morbidity, stigma and discrimination. Evidence shows that mental illness is a leading cause of disability globally.