The budget for mental health in Ecuador is 2%, according to the Commission on the Right to Health and Sport of the National Assembly, which is preparing a report for the second debate of the draft Law on Mental Health. This percentage value is the average of the health budget that most countries invest in mental health. According to the World Health Organization, in some countries there are only two mental health workers for every 100,000 people.

On January 18, the WHO noted that depression and anxiety increased by more than 25% during the pandemic.

The statistics of mental illnesses are alarming, they are among the main causes of the global burden of disease, but investments in the prevention and treatment of these diseases are still low, and the stigmatization of those who suffer from them is high, without their own conflicts to seek help.

What is the draft law on mental health that is being processed in the National Assembly?

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It is positive that a law is being discussed in Ecuador for the prevention and care of those who have problems or have had mental disorders.

According to the Social Observatory of Ecuador, there were 5,300 suicides between 2014 and 2019, and an estimated 977 during the first months of 2020.

In early 2023, the Department of Health expressed support for a bill before the legislature and announced that it is working to develop policies and regulations to strengthen institutional mental health services and treatment for a variety of disorders.

In the midst of political and economic problems, along with insecurity, it is crucial that mental health is on the national agenda. This is a priority issue considering that human imbalances affect not only those who suffer from them, but also their entire environment and economy.

The project must include all advantages: budget and attention. Not a single string should be left loose in order for it to truly be a contributing tool as a solution. (OR)