Universal health coverage for mental health: the contribution of clinical pharmacists

Abstract

The patterns of morbidity and mortality have dramatically changed over the last 100 years. Before the 1950s, the most common causes of death were infectious diseases and as public health and medical interventions developed, the shift to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) became clear. By 2019, seven out of the ten leading causes of death globally were NCDs, accounting for 74% of all deaths [1]. Although cardiovascular disease remains the main killer, followed by cancer, the observed and expected further increase in respiratory conditions and in diabetes is worthy of note. Mental health has been gaining attention, mostly because of its impact on disability, with depression having a major role. Globally, mental health conditions account for 1 in 5 years lived with disability, leading to economic losses of more than US$ 1 trillion per year. By 2019, some mental health conditions, notably Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, were considered the 7th cause of death. Suicide is another major concern, particularly among teenagers and young adults [2]. It has been shown that people living with mental health die prematurely as an indirect result of preventable physical conditions. Mental health conditions often result in loss of capacity to lead productive lives and to integrate in society, leading to situations of vulnerability, including homelessness and substance use, frequently leading to crime. These conditions are especially common for people affected by humanitarian crises and other forms of adversity, including sexual violence.