World Health Organization data shows the return of investment in mental health. An investment of 1USD results in a return of 4USD in better health and ability to work. Individuals and whole countries should rethink their investment strategy.
“In 2010, worldwide, an estimated US$2·5–8·5 trillion in lost output was attributed to mental, neurological and substance use disorders, depending on the method of assessment used. This sum is expected to nearly double by 2030 if a concerted response is not mounted.” According to the study “The global economic burden of noncommunicable diseases. World Economic Forum, Geneva; 2011”
The global return on investment analysis was led by the World Health Organization and published in The Lancet. The study included 36 countries and calculated treatment costs and health outcomes between 2016 and 2030.
The needed investment to treat anxiety and depression over the period 2016–30 is estimated with 147 billion USD. The return would be 310 billion USD (43 million extra years of healthy work life) plus 400 billion USD (economic productivity gains).
Jim Yong Kim, president of the World Bank Group, said: “This is not just a public health issue; it’s a development issue. We need to act now because the lost productivity is something the global economy simply cannot afford.”
The study shows that an investment in mental health is a very good investment. Not only for governments and the whole world but also for each individual.
- The Guardian
- The Lancet
- Bloom, DE, Cafiero, E, Jané-Llopis, E et al. The global economic burden of noncommunicable diseases. World Economic Forum, Geneva; 2011