A multi-agency advocacy paper highlighting the urgent need to prioritize Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in humanitarian response, especially in light of global funding cuts and the humanitarian reset. Messages throughout the document can be used at local and global levels to make clear that MHPSS is not an optional add-on; it is essential for life and lifesaving. In addition to being a life-saving service, MHPSS is a critical enabler across sectors, including health, education, protection, nutrition, peacebuilding and more.
The paper outlines five key asks:
Key Ask 1: Enhance the effectiveness of the Humanitarian Reset through the integration of MHPSS
Key Ask 2: Recognize MHPSS as essential to humanitarian assistance and as a lifesaving service
Key Ask 3: Integrate MHPSS as an enabler of humanitarian aid
Key Ask 4: MHPSS is included as a foundational component to recovery and long-term development after emergencies
Key Ask 5: Ensure MHPSS programming is community-driven and contextually grounded This paper can be used at local and global levels to ensure that – with rising needs and shrinking budgets – the message is clear: protecting mental health is both a human rights obligation and a cornerstone of effective humanitarian action.
