Pakistan’s President Launches Mental Health Initiative for Schools

In 2019, the Government of Pakistan initiated a five-year program aimed at improving mental health in schools. This initiative leverages technology to enhance access to mental health resources and training for educators. The program recognizes that 1 in 5 children suffer from mental health issues, which can significantly hinder their academic performance.

To address these challenges, the initiative focuses on training teachers to identify and manage mental health problems among students. An online training course has been developed to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to support students’ socio-emotional development. This course is based on a mental health package created by the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The online training program not only aids teachers in supporting their students but also emphasizes the importance of self-care for educators themselves. The course is a collaborative effort involving several institutions, including the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination, and various educational and medical universities across Pakistan.

The pilot phase of the training began in 2020 in Gujar Khan, Rawalpindi, where 320 teachers from 80 public schools participated. As a result of this training, teachers reported improved skills in promoting mental health and successfully identified 27% of students at risk of developing mental health problems. Additionally, 10 school counselors were trained to provide ongoing psychosocial support to these at-risk students.

The pilot program concluded in March 2021 and will inform the next phase of the initiative, which aims to expand its reach to four other provinces in Pakistan. The Ministry of National Health Services has signed agreements to enhance mental health promotion in schools as part of the Universal Health Coverage agenda.

Furthermore, a cluster randomized control trial is underway to assess the program’s impact and to understand implementation challenges, especially in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This research will guide future policy and practice in mental health support within educational settings.