Launch of the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of People Living with NCDs and Mental Health and Neurological Conditions Communications Package

This May, WHO launches a new technical product called the WHO Framework for Meaningful Engagement of People Living with NCDs and Mental Health and Neurological Conditions.

The objective of the framework is to support WHO and Members States in meaningfully engaging people living with NCDs, and mental health and neurological conditions (hereafter referred to as “individuals with lived experience”) to co-create and enhance related policies, programmes and services.

Over a period of two years, the framework was co-created with individuals with lived experience, WHO, Member States and relevant non-State actors. From the very beginning, WHO prioritizing individuals with lived experience in evidence-generating activities and processes, including participatory research and focus groups, global and regional informal consultations, a landscape narrative review, and key informant interviews As part of these activities, WHO also produced a series of short films, case studies and reports.

The framework introduces five core principles and six enablers for operationalizing meaningful engagement, including action areas linked to sustainable financing, integrated approaches, redistributing power, eliminating stigma, capacity-building, and institutionalizing engagement. The enablers build on the core areas which, once fully implemented, can achieve and sustain meaningful engagement.

The framework clearly outlines actions to be taken by WHO and its Member States for each enabler, outlining a phased approach with tiered outcome-measures (bronze, silver and gold).