The Ukrainian Red Cross Mental Health and Psychosocial Support team took part in the Multisectoral Strategic Consultation on the National Mechanism for the Implementation and Scale-up of Standardised Psychological Interventions

The event was organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Coordination Centre for Mental Health of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine as part of the implementation of the nationwide mental health programme “How Are You?”, initiated by the First Lady of Ukraine.

The consultation brought together representatives of government bodies, relevant ministries, international organisations, academia, civil society organisations, implementing partners, and mental health and psychosocial support experts. Together, participants worked on developing a national mechanism to ensure the systematic implementation and scale-up of standardised psychological interventions in line with the needs of the population, the roles of different sectors, and available resources.

During the consultation, participants reviewed international experience in integrating standardised psychological interventions into national systems, discussed approaches to their implementation in Ukraine, and developed a shared vision for their further development. Particular attention was paid to multisectoral cooperation, the use of evidence-based approaches, common outcome measurement tools, and expanding access to quality mental health and psychosocial support services for people.

For the Ukrainian Red Cross, participation in such events is an important part of strengthening its mental health and psychosocial support work. Collaboration with government institutions and international partners contributes to the development and implementation of effective solutions that will help make quality, evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support services more accessible to people across Ukraine.

The Multisectoral Strategic Consultation was held with financial support from Canada and the Netherlands, and within the framework of the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health.