There is a well-evidenced need for public education in the appropriate use of drugs, with potential benefits to the individual, community and policy-makers. This study looks at public education interventions in rational drug use in order to identify the type and rationale of such public education activities; how the activities are planned, implemented and evaluated; success rates; facilitating and constraining factors; organisations and bodies; areas which require further investigation / support; and how to best take public education forward. The report makes recommendations regarding funding for such activities, advocacy, training and tools, coalitions and partnerships, reporting / evaluation, and infrastructure
The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aims at scaling up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries especially with low- and middle-income. The programme asserts that with proper care, psychosocial assistance and medication, tens of millions could be treated for depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, prevented from suicide and begin to lead normal lives– even where resources are scarce.