Scaling up and dissemination of pre-service education in mental, neurological, and substance use disorders: the way moving forward

Abstract Mental, neurological, and substance use (MNS) disorders pose a significant global health challenge, requiring urgent integration of care into pre-service education (PSE) for medical and nursing students. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a competency-based framework, supported by the “ Enhancing mental health pre-service training with the mhGAP Intervention Guide ”, to equip future healthcare providers with essential skills to address MNS conditions effectively. This manuscript outlines the PSE-MNS approach, focusing on defining competencies, developing tailored curricula, and training educators to implement these initiatives. The 2024 Shanghai Workshop convened stakeholders to refine strategies for global dissemination and implementation. Key priorities include stakeholder engagement, leveraging resources such as digital learning tools, and addressing challenges like stigma and limited educational capacity. Facilitators include supportive policies, interdisciplinary collaborations, and existing WHO initiatives. WHO Collaborating Centres (WHOCCs) are instrumental in driving these efforts by promoting partnerships and knowledge exchange. Scaling PSE-MNS programs worldwide is critical for enhancing healthcare quality, fostering equity, and empowering providers to meet the diverse needs of communities. Strategic advocacy, continuous evaluation, and local adaptability will ensure the sustainable integration of MNS care into global health systems.