LAUSR

World Psychiatry 19:2 June 2020 of essential mental health and psychosocial services in development and humanitarian settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Humanitarian emergencies can be an effective impetus to strength ening community mental health care, as part of the overarching goal of universal health coverage. Strategies identified by the WHO will guide efforts to strengthen mental health care in countries recovering from COVID-19. These include: a) planning for long-term sustainability from the outset; b) addressing the population’s broad mental health needs; c) respecting the central role of government; d) engaging national professional organizations; e) ensuring effective coordination across agencies; f) reviewing mental health plans and policies as part of reform; g) strengthening the mental health system as a whole; h) investing in health workers; i) using demonstration projects to raise funds for wider reform; and j) investing in advocacy to maintain momentum for change. This approach also links to the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health: Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health, which will help improve access to mental health services. Our approach to mental health is comprehensive – not only focusing on responding to the current crisis and recovery after the crisis, but also on preparedness and getting services ready in countries before the next emergency through supporting countries in establishing community based mental health services for everyone everywhere. Health for All means having strong health systems, and strong health systems are resilient health systems.