KARACHI: A high-level Pakistani delegation led by the Minister of State for Health has held strategic talks with Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health researchers to explore collaboration on overhauling the country’s mental health system, officials said.
In Pakistan, mental disorders account for more than 4% of the total disease burden, with the mental health burden higher among women. Country faces a severe mental health crisis, with an estimated 50 million citizens suffering from disorders like depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
This epidemic is heavily exacerbated by deep-rooted cultural stigma, poverty, trauma, and a drastic shortage of resources.
However, allocated resources for the screening and treatment of mental health disorders are not enough to meet the increasing needs.
According to WHO data, Pakistan has only 0.19 psychiatrists per 100,000 inhabitants, one of the lowest numbers in WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region, and in the whole world.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Malik, Minister of State for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, met with Professors Pamela Y. Collins and Judith K. Bass to discuss evidence-based policy development, workforce training and innovative service delivery models aimed at accelerating progress toward Universal Health Coverage for Mental Health.
According to a statement from the ministry, proposed areas of cooperation include technical input into Pakistan’s forthcoming National Mental Health Policy, set to launch Oct. 1–2, 2026, during a World Mental Health Day International Event in Islamabad.
Other priorities include adapting collaborative care models for broader access, creating a National Hub of Excellence for Mental Health, integrating mental health services with HIV programs, and strengthening support for health care providers through task-sharing with pharmacists and other non-specialist workers.
“Pakistan is committed to placing mental health at the centre of its health and development agenda,” Malik said in the statement.
“Through strong international partnerships, evidence-based policies, and investments in workforce and service delivery innovations, we aim to build a resilient, accessible, and people-centred mental health system.”
The minister extended a formal invitation to Johns Hopkins leadership and partners to attend the October 2026 event in Islamabad, which officials said will serve as a global platform for launching the national policy and advancing international dialogue on mental health systems strengthening.
