World Mental Health Day 2025 highlights crisis care needs in Cox’s Bazar

World Mental Health Day 2025 was observed in Cox’s Bazar with a significant gathering of humanitarian organizations, government officials, and health experts united in advancing mental health care for vulnerable populations.

Co-organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Save the Children International, the event was held under this year’s global theme: “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”

Held at the Refugee Relief and Repatriation Commissioner (RRRC) office complex, the day featured a scientific seminar and an engaging mental health fair, spotlighting critical efforts to expand psychosocial support in one of the world’s largest refugee-hosting regions.

The program was inaugurated by Abu Saleh Mohammad Obaidullah, Additional Commissioner of RRRC, who commended the collaborative work of humanitarian partners in promoting mental well-being among both refugees and host communities.

“Mental health is not a luxury—it is a fundamental human right,” Obaidullah said. “The sustained coordination among agencies has helped bring hope and healing to thousands affected by displacement and trauma.”

He called for continued investment in community-based services and long-term integration of mental health into national and local health systems.

In his keynote address, Dr. Shahriar Faruk, NCD and Mental Health Advisor at WHO Bangladesh, stressed the importance of building resilient mental health infrastructure before emergencies escalate.

“We cannot wait for crises to end to address mental health. Early intervention, trained frontline workers, and integrated services within primary healthcare are essential to prevent long-term suffering,” Dr. Faruk stated.

He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to supporting equitable access to quality mental health services across emergency and development settings.

A dynamic mental health fair brought together over ten leading humanitarian organizations operating in Bangladesh, including UNHCR, IOM, Save the Children, BRAC, Caritas, Plan International, Handicap International (Humanity and Inclusion), Friendship, International Rescue Committee (IRC), SHED and Mukti Cox’s Bazar.

Through interactive stalls, visual displays, and personal stories, participants showcased their Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs, highlighting initiatives in trauma counseling, caregiver support, early childhood development (ECCD), youth resilience, and inclusive care for persons with disabilities.

Senior representatives from WHO, RRRC, UNHCR, UNICEF, and the Cox’s Bazar Health Sector visited the booths, praised the innovation and dedication on display, and engaged with field staff about implementation challenges and best practices.

Despite progress, frontline workers raised urgent concerns about shrinking funding and donor fatigue.

S. Liton Kumar Roy Amitabh, ECCD and MHPSS Supervisor at SHED, warned that budget cuts are already impacting service delivery.

“Psychosocial programs, especially those serving young children and caregivers, are being scaled back due to lack of resources. Without predictable funding, even proven interventions risk collapse.”

His remarks were echoed by other agency representatives, calling for greater inclusion of mental health in humanitarian financing mechanisms and domestic budgets.

The event served as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, advocacy, and inter-agency solidarity, reinforcing the shared responsibility to protect mental health in crisis zones.

It concluded with a collective call for policy integration of MHPSS into emergency response frameworks, sustained funding and resource allocation, capacity building for community health workers, and stronger collaboration between government, NGOs, and international partners.

As Bangladesh continues to manage one of the most protracted humanitarian situations globally, World Mental Health Day 2025 in Cox’s Bazar delivered a powerful message: healing minds is not secondary—it is central to recovery, dignity, and long-term resilience.