Authors : Langat Christopher Andrew

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 1 - January

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/45hmusap

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdzmyzw6

DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14885943

Abstract : This study critically analyzes current global trends in mental health, focusing on challenges, innovations, and future directions. Despite growing awareness and advancements, mental health care continues to face significant challenges, including inequitable access, stigma, and systemic underfunding, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Innovative approaches, such as community-based care models, digital mental health solutions, and task-shifting strategies, have demonstrated potential to address these gaps. However, their scalability and sustainability are hindered by resource limitations, infrastructure disparities, and cultural barriers. The integration of mental health into universal health coverage (UHC) frameworks and the adoption of innovative financing mechanisms, such as social impact bonds, offer promising pathways to enhance equity and sustainability. This analysis emphasizes the need for cross-sectoral collaborations, investments in workforce development, and context-specific interventions to address social determinants of mental health. The study concludes with recommendations for future research to evaluate the long-term outcomes of these innovations and explore strategies to foster equity and sustainability in mental health care globally.

Keywords : Mental Health, Global Trends, Challenges, Innovations, Equity, Sustainability, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), Community-Based Care, Digital Mental Health, Task-Shifting, Social Determinants, Mental Health Policy, Low- And Middle- Income Countries (Lmics), Innovative Financing, Scalability, Stigma.

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