UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have praised Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population for launching the National Mental Health Campaign 2025, an initiative addressing the country’s pressing child and adolescent mental health challenges.
National data show that 5.2 percent of adolescents between the ages of 13 to 19 years have diagnosable mental health conditions, while 18.3 percent of children (6–18 years) report emotional or behavioral difficulties. Suicide remains the third leading cause of death among young people aged 15–29 years.
Despite this burden, most affected children, adolescents and young people receive little or no support.
The launch of the campaign coincides with the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with this year’s global focus on digital violence is especially relevant as adolescents face rising cyberbullying and online harassment, which directly impact their safety and mental wellbeing.
The campaign aims to raise awareness, strengthen prevention and expand access to care for those who need it.
UNICEF and WHO, long-standing partners in advancing child and adolescent mental health, applaud the Government’s progress in implementing the National Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2025. Both agencies reaffirm their commitment to continue working with the government in ensuring mental health as a fundamental right for all.
Through the Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) Initiative—reaching more than 100,000 children with socio-emotional learning—both agencies have contributed to advancing mental health services nationwide.
WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health has strengthened integration of mental health into general health care, operationalized the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1166, developed district hospital service models, and supported municipal mental health toolkits.
“It is encouraging to see the Government of Nepal prioritize mental health as demonstrated through advances in service integration and the launch of this important campaign. While access to quality mental health services remains limited for many, these steps show meaningful progress and strong national commitment. WHO is proud to have supported key mental health initiatives in the past and remains committed to assisting the government in strengthening mental health policies and systems to help ensure services are accessible for all,” said Dr Rajesh Pandav, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal, reads a statement issued by WHO.
UNICEF continues to strengthen early identification, referral and care pathways; train health workers; expand telemental health services at Kanti Children’s Hospital and provincial hospitals; enhance digital platforms such as U-Report and the Machhuni chatbot; and support policy and strategy development at national and local levels.
“UNICEF is honored to support Nepal in strengthening its mental health systems. From expanding services to those who need them and building workforce capacity to generating high-quality national data, Nepal is laying the foundation for a resilient, equitable mental health system. This campaign is an important step in ensuring children and adolescents receive the care and dignity they deserve,” said Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal, according to WHO.
Despite progress, gaps persist. Adolescents face heightened vulnerability due to violence, bullying, poverty, parental mental illness and other adversities. Risk-taking behaviors, including substance use, often worsen during this period.
Without support, young people risk stigma, exclusion, educational setbacks and rights violations — particularly adolescent parents, adolescents in early or forced marriage, orphans and minority groups.
UNICEF and WHO call for a comprehensive, multisectoral response with strong leadership, sustained financing, a skilled workforce and robust information systems. Action across sectors is needed to reduce adversity, strengthen nurturing care, expand opportunities and reduce risks such as substance use. Effective mental health services—from prevention to recovery—require coordinated support across digital platforms, schools, health and social care settings and communities every child and young person can thrive.
