Journal article 42 views
Mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic: Policy and public health
Ann John 
,
Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu,
Prof Celso Arango,
Prof Rakhi Dandona,
Prof Tamsin Ford,
Prof Ayana Jordan,
Rebecca Cherop,
Lola Kola,
Prof Carlos López-Jaramillo,
Alexandra M Schuster,
Kelvin Opiepie,
Fabian Musoro,
Lawrence A. White,
Dmytro Martsenkovskyi,
Prof Benedict Daniel Michael,
Prof Rory O’Connor,
Prof Peter B. Jones
,
Etheldreda Nakimuli-Mpungu,
Prof Celso Arango,
Prof Rakhi Dandona,
Prof Tamsin Ford,
Prof Ayana Jordan,
Rebecca Cherop,
Lola Kola,
Prof Carlos López-Jaramillo,
Alexandra M Schuster,
Kelvin Opiepie,
Fabian Musoro,
Lawrence A. White,
Dmytro Martsenkovskyi,
Prof Benedict Daniel Michael,
Prof Rory O’Connor,
Prof Peter B. Jones
The Lancet Psychiatry
Swansea University Author:
Ann John
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical weaknesses in mental health systems and intensified existing inequities, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment of policy responses and strategies for future resilience. We synthesised evidence from a structured literature search (2020–2024), exp...
| Published in: | The Lancet Psychiatry |
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| Published: |
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| URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa70928 |
| Abstract: |
The COVID-19 pandemic revealed critical weaknesses in mental health systems and intensified existing inequities, highlighting the need for a comprehensive assessment of policy responses and strategies for future resilience. We synthesised evidence from a structured literature search (2020–2024), expert consultation, and lived-experience contributions, guided by four questions on system adaptations, approaches to inequities, financing strategies, and evidence gaps. Public health systems embedded infodemic management, expanded digital services, and mobilised community workforces, but responses varied in equity and effectiveness. Gender, age, socioeconomic, and racial disparities worsened, though social protection, gender-sensitive policies, school-based services, and culturally adapted interventions showed promise. High-income countries buffered shocks with welfare measures, while low- and middle-income countries faced sharp fiscal constraints. Few studies evaluated cost-effectiveness, or equity impacts of psychosocial interventions. Building resilient, equitable mental health systems require integrated policies spanning communication, digital and community care, gender- and youth-responsive strategies, and sustainable financing, alongside investment in longitudinal and cross-national research |
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| College: |
Faculty of Medicine, Health and Life Sciences |