I am very pleased to participate in today’s event on such an important topic. 

As we all know, there is no health without mental health. Although often invisible, we need to address it as a matter of priority, taking into consideration the need for a whole-of-society approach to promote, protect and care for mental health.  When we say we need to strengthen the most vulnerable parts of our society, mental health has to be at the forefront of these efforts. That is why organizations such as Enosh, the Israeli Mental Health Association are so important, and it is great to have them here today. 

I would also like to thank Dr Devora Kestel, the Director of Mental Health and Substance Use at the World Health Organization for joining us.  I would like to reiterate Israel’s support for WHOs work around mental health during the pandemic and our support for their recommendation to build and strengthen mental health services in the future, especially to ensure that mental health services are a part of Universal Health Coverage packages for equal and high-quality access for the whole of the population.

As we have all seen, the indirect effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic have emphasized the importance of Mental Health. In Israel and across the world, we have seen a significant increase in distress, anxiety and other effects on one’s mental health. It has increased the vulnerability of those suffering, and has increased the number of people affected. On the national, regional, and global level, we must not forget our duty to ensure that mental health and well-being is properly addressed in our pandemic response. As we continue to face the impact of COVID-19, and as we start to recover and build back better, mental health must be put at the forefront of our priorities and polies. ​​