2.M. Scientific session: Economics of Mental Health in the interplay between health systems and public health

Abstract Mental health systems and services are essential components of the public health infrastructure, serving as frontline for prevention and intervention for health overall. Despite this, access to mental health services remains largely inadequate, with the OECD calculating that only about one in three people with mental health problems has access to quality treatment across 19 EU Member States. The economics of mental health play an important role in determining the allocation of resources, the accessibility of services and the overall effectiveness of interventions. Effective planning requires an understanding of population needs, service gaps and utilization patterns, in order to ensure equity and health improvement. In fact, the conceptualisation of the economic dimensions of mental health enables policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to make informed decisions that optimize resource utilization and maximize societal benefits. The proposed workshop will build on previous activities of the EUPHA Section on Public Health Economics at EPH, including the recent establishment of a working group on the economics of mental health. The aim of the meeting is to promote the adoption of best practices and methodologies in the conduct of economic studies on mental health. As such, the workshop will provide an opportunity to discuss the unique challenges of economic evaluation in this field and to present relevant ongoing activities by members of the Section and other invited experts. Key messages • Mental health, its distribution and at-risk populations influence resource allocation and policy decisions within mental health systems. • Tackling inequalities in mental health is essential for promoting health equity and social justice, requiring evidence-based interventions and policy initiatives to empower marginalized communities.