This group will focus on mental health issues, which are increasing.

According to the World Health Organization, nearly 1 billion people were living with a mental disorder in 2019. Suicide was the cause of 1 in 100 deaths. During the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety increased by over 25 percent.

Mental health disorders are especially prevalent in low- and middle-income countries and are exacerbated by a lack of mental healthcare infrastructure, professionals, and policies. Stigma and discrimination against people with mental health issues are widespread, especially among disadvantaged populations. All these factors contribute to mental health care being one of the most neglected areas of public health care and policy.

This neglect comes at a grave cost in terms of loss of productivity, economic effects, years of life lost, and disability-adjusted life years. Given a world climate that expects an increase in natural disasters, pandemics, and epidemics, all of which contribute to an increase in mental health disorders, it is time to bring mental health care to the forefront of global attention.