This report summarizes descriptive data on mental health systems in 14 countries of the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region using the WHO Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS). The comprehensive and detailed information presented provides a better understanding of mental health systems in these countries than was hitherto available.

Results indicate that mental health resources and activities are scarce, inequitably distributed and inefficiently used; community-based mental health services are underdeveloped; mental health systems are often not well connected to other relevant sectors, such as the primary health care system and the employment sector; and insufficient attention is given to human rights.

This report highlights the urgent need for additional resources to be devoted to mental health care, more equitable distribution of resources, and a concerted effort to divert resources concentrated in mental hospitals towards community care.