Hidden within a pandemic: how is international funding supporting mental health during COVID-19?

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is bringing to light the long-neglected area of mental health. Current evidence demonstrates an increase in mental, neurological and substance use conditions globally. Although long-established as a leading cause of disease burden, mental health has been historically grossly underfunded.

An analysis of funding patterns in development assistance for mental health: who, when, what, and where.

Background: Mental health has recently gained increasing attention on global health and development agendas, including calls for an increase in international funding. Few studies have previously characterized official development assistance for mental health (DAMH) in a nuanced and differentiated manner in order to support future funding efforts.

Methods: Data from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Creditor Reporting System were obtained through keyword searches.

International funding for mental health: a review of the last decade.

Mental health represents one of the most significant and increasing burdens to global public health. Over the past decade, the once invisible field has gained recognition on the global health agenda and this increased recognition is expected to increase international funding for mental health. Our review found that few studies have been conducted as to the level of international funding for mental health and there is a need for a differentiated assessment.