Strengthening Mental Health And Psychosocial Support Systems And Services For Children And Adolescents In East Asia And Pacific Region: Malaysia Country Report 2022

The mental health of children and adolescents aged 0–18 years is one of the most neglected health issues globally. Before COVID-19, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated that 10 to 20 percent of children and adolescents worldwide experienced poor mental health, with half of mental disorders beginning by age 14. In East Asia and the Pacific, almost 1 in 7 boys and 1 in 9 girls aged 10–19 years have a mental disorder, with suicide the third leading cause of death for 15–19-yearolds in this region. Additionally, millions more children and adolescents experience psychological distress that may not meet the diagnostic criteria for a mental disorder but which has significant impacts on their health, development and well-being. Poor mental health can have profound impacts on the health, learning and participation of children and adolescents, limiting opportunities for them to reach their full potential.

To address the mental health and psychosocial well-being of children and adolescents there is a need for a holistic and tiered approach to MHPSS that includes actions to: promote well-being; prevent poor mental health by addressing risks and enhancing protective factors; and ensure quality and accessible care for those with mental health conditions. This requires mobilization of all sectors – including health, education, social welfare and justice – as well as engagement with communities, schools, parents, service providers and children and adolescents themselves.

This report documents the application of the conceptual framework in Malaysia and provides country specific recommendations for strengthening the provision of MHPSS for children and adolescents.