PAHO supported Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to advance the integration of mental health into primary health care (PHC) by strengthening governance, legislation, and service capacity. Through direct technical assistance, PAHO supported the development of drafting instructions for a mental health bill, aligning national legislation with international human rights standards and community-based models of care. In parallel, technical cooperation focused on building service delivery capacity through the application of internationally recommended tools and approaches, including training of health workers to support task-sharing and integration of mental health into PHC.  

These efforts were complemented by actions to strengthen mental health literacy and reduce stigma, fostering greater demand for and acceptability of services. By reinforcing the policy and legal framework and equipping primary care providers with standardized competencies, this achievement contributes to more accessible, people-centered mental health services. Over time, it is expected to improve early identification and continuity of care for mental health conditions, reduce avoidable hospitalizations, and support better mental health outcomes.