July 1 is a big day for the World Health Organization. That’s when Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus officially becomes the new director-general of this important global health body. In his acceptance speech, Tedros said, “All roads should lead to universal health coverage. I will not rest until we have met this.” Another of his top goals is putting the well-being of women, children, and adolescents at the center of the WHO’s work. I urge him to do that by making mental health a priority.
Why emphasize improving mental health when pressing threats such as Ebola, Zika, tuberculosis, and HIV grab headlines? Because mental health plays a role in almost all of the world’s unfolding health crises.