14 August 2026: Globally, more than 1 billion people live with a mental health condition. Yet, in many countries access to mental health care is extremely limited. Responding to this need, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) have signed a three-year agreement to increase access to care for people living with mental, neurological and substance use conditions in Jordan and Nepal as part of the WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health. The partnership offers important potential to raise awareness about mental health, encourage help-seeking and to leverage the global and local influence of both organizations.
Recognizing the growing need to promote mental health and well-being, Lions Clubs International (LCI) has identified mental health as one of its global initiatives. “I am proud to see Lions helping reduce stigma, raise awareness, and expand access to care in communities around the world,” said A.P Singh, LCIF Chairperson.
In Jordan’s East Amman areas, the partnership will expand access to mental health care by establishing counselling services in collaboration with the Friends of Cancer Patients Association and delivering acute secondary care for children and adults at the Al Basheer Hospital.
In Nepal, the partnership will establish psychosocial support mental health corners in 10 district hospitals and strengthen young people’s mental health through implementation of the Nepal government-endorsed National Implementation Framework on School Mental Health.
“The treatment gap for people living with mental health conditions can be over 95% in some countries,” said Dr Mark van Ommeren, Head of WHO’s Mental Health and Substance Use Unit. “This Lions Club International and WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health joint effort is a great example of how we can collaborate and work towards common goals.”
This partnership will continue until the end of 2028, documenting service users’ stories and experiences throughout its implementation.
Note for editors
WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health
The WHO Special Initiative for Mental Health (SIMH) scales up community-based mental health care and works to advance national policies, plans and laws to protect and support people living with mental, neurological and substance use conditions, and ensure the inclusion of mental health care as part of universal health coverage. Since 2019 the SIMH has expanded mental health care across ten countries where more than 90 million additional people now have access to community-based mental health care; and at least 2 million children and adults have received treatment for mental, neurological and substance use conditions for the first time. Countries, including Jordan and Nepal, have advanced rights-based mental health policies, updated essential medicine lists, improved mental health data systems, integrated mental health into emergency preparedness plans, and continue to advocate for increased domestic investment to sustain progress. For further information on the WHO SIMH, contact: MHSunit@who.int
Lions Clubs International Foundation
The Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) is the global foundation supporting the 1.4 million members of Lions Clubs International through grant funds that expand their compassionate works and empower their service at home and around the world. Since its founding in 1968, LCIF has awarded more than 25 000 grants totaling more than US$ 1.3 billion. We improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need, locally and globally. Learn more about who we are and what we do at lionsclubs.org/lcif or donate to LCIF at lionsclubs.org/donate. Follow LCIF on Facebook at @LCIFLions.
Jordan, Malak Nowfal, Housewife and Carer. “My name is Malak, I’m 28 years old, and I’m the wife of Fouad. The Special Initiative for Mental Health played a significant role in both of our journeys. It wasn’t just about helping those with mental health conditions it was also about helping the people who support them. It felt like, finally, there was a space in society for us, where we weren’t alone in this journey. I began to feel seen and empowered, and more importantly, so did Fouad. Mental illness is often misunderstood as something to fear. But I’ve come to believe, and I wish more people would, that mental health matters just as much as physical health.” © WHO, 2025