World Mental Health Day 2026

This statement is jointly released by Global Fund Advocates Network Asia-Pacific (GFAN AP), Activists’ Coalition on TB – Asia-Pacific (ACT! AP), CSO Platform, Seven Alliance (a consortium of Asia-Pacific networks: APCOM, APN+, APNSW, APTN, ICWAP, NAPUD, Youth LEAD) and United for Global Mental Health on World Mental Health Day, 10 October 2026.

This year’s theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, calls for people’s experiences to shape decisions and transform care. For communities affected by HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria, mental health support must be an integral part of prevention, treatment and recovery. Stigma, criminalisation, financial hardship and displacement must never stand between people and the support they need.

Together, we call on governments, donors and the Global Fund partnership to make mental health a routine part of HIV, TB, malaria and primary health care services. The Global Fund’s emphasis on integration, including through Grant Cycle 8, provides an opportunity to connect counselling, peer support, treatment and referral so people can receive coordinated care close to where they live.

Community-led and community-based organisations are essential to this response. They must have the authority, resources and recognition to shape and deliver services that people trust. #MoreNowThanEver, real change means protecting rights, supporting the workforce and ensuring that commitments translate into accessible mental health care for every community.

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