The Lagos State Government of Nigeria recently launched its Mental Health Policy and Work Plan aimed at addressing the mental health needs of Lagos, one of the world's fastest-growing megacities, and its nearby communities. This paper discusses the contextual basis of this initiative, its components and the challenges faced so far. It argues that urban centres deserve attention in the current push towards investing in mental health services in low- and middle-income countries.
Mental disorders are among the leading causes of disease burden in the Western Pacific Region of the World Health Organization (WHO). Networking and partnership have been identified as the major components of key strategies to address challenges in meeting mental health needs in the region. This article provides a brief review of relevant initiatives collaboratively developed by the WHO, member states in the region and other partners.