An online mini-conference is dedicated to scaling up mental health services within the primary health care (PHC) approach.
Building on the 2025 WHO policy paper “Scaling up mental health services within the primary health care approach: Lessons from the WHO European Region”, this event shifts the discussion from what needs to happen to how we can make it happen.
Together with the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA), the event will convene leaders, practitioners and innovators to explore:
- redesigning service delivery models and strengthening mental health services within PHC
- the role of social determinants and contemporary societal challenges across the life course
- improving accessibility to community-based services
- strategies for the early identification of mental health needs
- developing essential mental health competencies in the PHC workforce
- sustainable financing solutions
- and the growing potential of digital tools and AI.
Drawing on diverse country experiences, this mini-conference aims to inspire collaboration and accelerate progress in mental health initiatives across the Region.
Mini-conference overview
25 February 2026, 12:00–16:00 CET
- Scaling up mental health within the PHC approach: setting the scene
- Technical deep dive 1: Transforming PHC models of care to address mental health needs
26 February 2026, 12:00–16:05 CET
- Technical deep dive 2: Health workforce education and training for mental health in PHC
- Technical deep dive 3: Sustainable funding and financing for scaling up mental health services
- Harnessing digital technologies for mental health: innovations and opportunities
Participation
The virtual mini-conference is open to all through registration, offering valuable insights particularly beneficial to national and subnational policy-makers and implementers driving PHC reform efforts. The series is relevant to:
- PHC decision-makers, including technical staff from ministries of health, purchasing agencies, public health agencies and regional and local administrations;
- representatives from think-tanks, academic institutions and professional organizations influencing PHC policy development in the Region;
- PHC practitioners; and
- other technical experts and implementers involved in or interested in population health management.