Promoting Mental Health in Low-Resource Settings: Focus on WHO Psychological Interventions

In low-resource settings, marginalized communities, refugees, and impoverished populations encounter numerous risk factors that amplify psychological distress and elevate the susceptibility to mental disorders. These risk factors encompass poverty, inadequate healthcare access, heightened prevalence of infectious diseases, conflict, violence, displacement, and social and cultural obstacles. The World Health Organization (WHO) World Mental Health Report 2022 advocates for addressing these challenges by prioritizing individual autonomy and adopting person-centered interventions. These interventions, integrated into existing health and social services, aim to promote mental health and prevent mental disorder onset among vulnerable populations. This chapter introduces a compendium of low-intensity psychological interventions aligned with the WHO’s principles, specifically tailored or adapted to cater to diverse adversities faced by populations in low-resource settings. Through a systematic review and critical evaluation, we scrutinize the evidence base underpinning their effectiveness and analyze their feasibility and potential for widespread implementation. By leveraging a person-centered approach, these interventions seek to empower individuals within vulnerable populations, offering support tailored to their unique circumstances while respecting their autonomy. Through this comprehensive approach, we aim to mitigate the impact of risk factors, bolster resilience, and foster mental well-being among populations confronting significant adversities in low-resource settings.