Strengthening mental health & psychosocial support systems & services

The mental health of children and adolescents aged 0–18 years is one of the most neglected health issues globally. Before COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 10 to 20 per cent of children and adolescents worldwide experienced poor mental health, with half of mental disorders beginning by age 14.1 In East Asia and the Pacific, almost 1 in 7 boys and 1 in 9 girls aged 10–19 years have a mental disorder, with suicide the third leading cause of death for 15–19-year olds in this region.

Despite this burden, there is a substantial unmet need for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) for children and adolescents. This report documents the application of the conceptual framework in Malaysia and provides country specific recommendations for strengthening the provision of MHPSS for children and adolescents.