Under PAHO’s technical leadership, Saint Kitts and Nevis advanced the reorganization and integration of mental health services into primary health care during the biennium. PAHO provided sustained technical assistance to strengthen mental health governance, supporting the development of drafting instructions for a mental health bill aligned with rights-based, community-oriented models of care. This advance at the policy level represents a significant step toward modernizing the legal and institutional framework for mental health and reducing reliance on fragmented or hospital-centered approaches. In parallel, PAHO supported capacity-building initiatives that equipped health workers with standardized tools and competencies, including training aligned with the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) and complementary quality approaches.  

The results improved the ability of primary care services to identify, manage, and refer mental health conditions early, helping to reduce stigma and improve access to care. By strengthening both the policy environment and service delivery capacity, PAHO’s contribution supports more integrated, people-centered mental health services, with positive implications for population well-being, continuity of care, and the overall performance of the health system. 

Photo caption: Donation of equipment for timely diagnosis and management of mental and neurological diseases.

Credit: Ministry of Health.