With sustained technical assistance from PAHO, Saint Lucia advanced the integration of mental health into PHC through strengthened governance, policy reform, and workforce capacity-building. Support focused on the development of mental health legislation and policy instruments that promote rights-based, community-oriented care alongside implementation of evidence-based service models. PAHO also supported Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) training and related capacity-building initiatives to equip primary care providers with standardized tools to identify, manage, and refer priority mental health conditions.  

The country now has strengthened capacity to reorganize services away from institutional models and toward accessible, integrated care. By improving early detection, continuity of care, and the protection of human rights, this achievement contributes to better mental health outcomes, reduced stigma, and increased resilience of the health system in Saint Lucia.