Geneva: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued a warning that approximately 67 million individuals residing in conflict, disaster, or displacement situations are currently experiencing mental health disorders. The organization emphasized the critical need to prioritize mental health support as a life-saving measure in humanitarian operations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Fahmy Hanna, WHO's technical officer for mental health, highlighted during a UN press briefing in Geneva that one in five people in emergency situations lives with a mental health condition. However, mental health support is frequently seen as optional in many responses. Hanna noted that although there has been progress, with active coordination mechanisms in 71% of emergencies compared to less than half in 2019, the quality and coverage of services are still inadequate.

Hanna further cautioned that requests from countries for psychotropic medicines have plummeted by 94% in early 2025 due to funding reductions, leaving millions without necessary support. He urged governments, donors, and responders to integrate and invest in mental health care across all phases-preparedness, response, and recovery-of humanitarian efforts, as the impact of disappearing humanitarian funding is both immediate and profound.