EU and WHO Join Forces to Strengthen Armenia’s Health Workforce and Mental Health Services

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed both strengths and vulnerabilities in health systems worldwide including highlighting the importance of a robust and well-supported healthcare workforce. In Armenia, as in many countries across the WHO European Region (Region), healthcare worker shortages, imbalanced distribution, and high levels of stress and burnout have put immense pressure on the health systems. Mental health, long neglected, has also emerged as a priority, with increasing recognition of the need for community-based, person-centered care that reduces stigma and expands access to services.

“Mental health is a fundamental human right and a crucial component of overall well-being. To ensure its protection and promotion, we have developed and approved the "Program for the Preservation and Improvement of Mental Health Measures. This program sets ethical standards for specialists, establishes clinical guidelines and protocols, and provides training on the rights of individuals with mental health conditions," said Ms. Anahit Avanesyan, the Minister of Health of Armenia. “However, achieving these objectives requires a strong and well-prepared healthcare workforce. This initiative allows us to address key challenges by improving working conditions, enhancing professional training, and ensuring the continuous development of health specialists. A resilient and well-supported healthcare workforce is essential for the effective and comprehensive delivery of healthcare services, ensuring every citizen has access to high-quality care,” said Ms. Anahit Avanesyan, the Minister of Health of Armenia.

“The EU is committed to supporting Armenia’s health sector, ensuring that today’s investments lead to lasting and meaningful change,” said Mr. Vassilis Maragos, the Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union to Armenia. “Through our partnership with WHO, we are strengthening Armenia’s healthcare system by addressing critical workforce challenges and expanding access to mental health support. A resilient health system is the backbone of a strong society, and together, we are working to make quality healthcare a reality for all in Armenia.”

“With EU funding, WHO is supporting Armenia to strengthen their healthcare workforce and mental health services thereby paving the way towards resilient health systems to tide over health challenges and emergencies,” said Dr Siddhartha Datta, WHO Representative in Armenia. “Today’s launch in Yerevan represents an important step in investing and supporting healthcare workers and ensuring mental health services are integrated and accessible to all.”

Addressing health workforce challenges

A well-trained and adequately distributed health workforce is critical to ensuring quality healthcare. This EU-funded initiative will focus on:

· Improving retention and attracting healthcare professionals through better working conditions and mental health support.

· Enhancing the quality of medical and nursing education to align with the local healthcare needs.

· Supporting evidence-based workforce planning to ensure sustainable health system improvements.

Expanding mental health services and reducing stigma

Mental health remains a critical and often overlooked area of healthcare in Armenia. Stigma and institutionalized care models have historically limited access to quality mental health support. Through this initiative, WHO and the EU will work to:

· Strengthen national mental health governance and service provision.

· Train healthcare workers to adopt a rights-based, person-centered approach.

· Reduce stigma and discrimination through awareness campaigns, promote mental health and well-being including through arts and expand access to community-based mental healthcare services.

EU-WHO partnership for health

By focusing on resilience to health emergencies, the EU and WHO partnership ensures that countries like Armenia can better withstand future crises while advancing universal health coverage and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

With today’s launch, Armenia takes a significant step toward a stronger, more sustainable healthcare system - one that supports its health workers and provides inclusive mental health services for all.

For more information, please contact:

WHO Country Office

Hripsime Ohanyan, Communications for Partnerships Officer, WHO Armenia; ohanyanh@who.int WHO European Region; eupress@who.int

About WHO

The World Health Organization (WHO) works globally to promote health, keep the world safe, and serve the vulnerable. In the WHO European Region, the organization supports governments in strengthening their health systems and responding to public health challenges.

About the European Union

The European Union (EU) is committed to supporting health initiatives worldwide, particularly in its Eastern Neighbourhood, through strategic partnerships and funding programs aimed at improving healthcare resilience and accessibility.