Event highlights
Ukraine’s sweeping adoption of the WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) is drawing regional attention, as the country continues to embed mental health into its national policy, financing and education systems – even amid the ongoing challenges of war.
At a webinar hosted by WHO/Europe and the WHO Country Office in Ukraine in November 2025, government officials, primary health care professionals and WHO experts shared how Ukraine has managed to scale up mental health services nationwide and what lessons other Eastern Partnership countries can take from this experience.
“The fight for mental health is not secondary, it is an integral part of Ukraine’s struggle for our future,” said Dr Iryna Mykychak, Coordinator of Mental Health Projects at Ukraine’s Ministry of Health, underscoring the political momentum behind the reforms.
The mhGAP offers a guideline designed to support countries in strengthening their capacity to address the growing burden of mental, neurological and substance use conditions by integrating mental health into primary care and building the skills of non-specialist health workers to deliver quality mental health services.
Part of the European Union-funded project “Health Resilience in the Eastern Partnership”, the webinar brought together officials and policy-makers from Armenia, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova – countries exploring how to strengthen mental health services at the primary care level.
“With this webinar we hope to foster cross-country exchange of practices, showcase successful experience in Ukraine, share lessons learned, and provide practical guidance to inform and inspire future strengthening of mental health within primary health care across the Eastern Partnership region,” said Ana Tijerino Inestroza, Technical Officer for Mental Health at WHO/Europe.
A comprehensive, system-wide approach
Over recent years, Ukraine has built a strong record of implementing mhGAP as part of wider reforms to primary care and health financing, and in alignment with the national Concept for Mental Health Care Development until 2030.
The First Lady, Olena Zelenska’s national initiative on mental health and psychosocial support has further supported this initiative, elevating public awareness and political support.
Key elements of the country’s approach include:
- standardized mhGAP training for primary health care workers, including online options;
- integration of mhGAP modules into university curricula;
- routine monitoring and supervision to maintain quality;
- strong coordination between the Ministry of Health, WHO and partners; and
- expansion of mental health services through the Medical Guarantees Programme, ensuring access and financial protection for patients.
Sharing lessons with the region
Participants from Ukraine highlighted three areas central to their success:
- policy and financing: legislative changes and funding mechanisms that helped embed mhGAP in national systems;
- capacity-building: in-service training, standardized pre-service education, and peer-support structures; and
- results: improved competencies among health workers and more people receiving mental health support at the primary care level.
By showcasing Ukraine’s progress, the event provided practical guidance to neighbouring countries working to expand mental health services and build more resilient health systems.
Part of a wider regional effort
The “Health Resilience in the Eastern Partnership” project is a multiyear partnership funded by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG-ENEST). The project supports the 5 countries in the Eastern Partnership – Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Republic of Moldova and Ukraine – in strengthening their health systems, with 2 pillars focusing on health workforce and mental health, and with a focus on improving the skills and capacity of the health and care workforce.
Ukraine’s experience with mhGAP offers a compelling example of how comprehensive, coordinated action can accelerate progress and expand access to mental health care, even in the most challenging circumstances.