WHO’s response to the need
WHO’s programmes for active and healthy ageing
have provided a global framework for action at the
country level (25). WHO recognizes dementia as
a public health priority and supports governments
in strengthening and promoting mental health in
older adults, particularly in low- and middle-income
countries. WHO’s flagship programme, the mental
health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) included
dementia as one of its main priority conditions. The
mhGAP-IG (intervention guide) includes evidencebased
interventions to be delivered by non-specialized
health providers in low-income settings for all
priority conditions including dementia, depression,
and alcohol and substance abuse (15).