Human resources for mental health care: current situation
and strategies for action
Ritsuko Kakuma, Harry Minas, Nadja van Ginneken, Mario R Dal Poz, Keshav Desiraju, Jodi E Morris, Shekhar Saxena*, Richard M Scheffl er*
A challenge faced by many countries is to provide adequate human resources for delivery of essential mental health
interventions. The overwhelming worldwide shortage of human resources for mental health, particularly in
low-income and middle-income countries, is well established. Here, we review the current state of human resources
for mental health, needs, and strategies for action. At present, human resources for mental health in countries of low
and middle income show a serious shortfall that is likely to grow unless eff ective steps are taken. Evidence suggests
that mental health care can be delivered eff ectively in primary health-care settings, through community-based
programmes and task-shifting approaches. Non-specialist health professionals, lay workers, aff ected individuals, and
caregivers with brief training and appropriate supervision by mental health specialists are able to detect, diagnose,
treat, and monitor individuals with mental disorders and reduce caregiver burden. We also discuss scale-up costs,
human resources management, and leadership for mental health, particularly within the context of low-income and
middle-income countries.