KATHMANDU, DECEMBER 10 UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) have applauded the Ministry of Health and Population for launching the National Mental Health Campaign 2025, an initiative aimed at reducing stigma and improving access to mental health support for children, adolescents and adults. The agencies said the campaign comes at a crucial time as mental health challenges among young people remain underrecognized and undertreated. National data show that 5.2 percent of adolescents aged 13–19 have diagnosable mental health conditions, while 18.3 percent of children aged 6–18 experience emotional or behavioural difficulties. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15–29. The campaign launch follows the conclusion of the global 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which this year focused on digital violence-a growing concern as Nepali adolescents face rising cyberbullying and online harassment. UNICEF and WHO noted progress in implementing Nepal's National Mental Health Strategy and Action Plan 2020–2025 and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the government's efforts. Through the Helping Adolescents Thrive (HAT) initiative, the agencies have already reached more than 100,000 children with socio-emotional learning programs. WHO's Special Initiative for Mental Health has supported the integration of mental health into general healthcare, operationalized the National Suicide Prevention Helpline 1166, developed district hospital mental health models and provided municipal mental health toolkits. 'It is encouraging to see the Government of Nepal prioritize mental health through service integration and this new campaign,' said Dr. Rajesh Pandav, Acting WHO Representative to Nepal. 'WHO remains committed to strengthening mental health policies and systems to ensure accessible services for all.' UNICEF continues to strengthen early identification, referral pathways, telemental health services, and digital platforms such as U-Report and the Machhuni chatbot, along with supporting workforce training and policy development. 'This campaign is an important step in ensuring children and adolescents receive the care and dignity they deserve,' said Alice Akunga, UNICEF Representative to Nepal. Despite progress, UNICEF and WHO caution that significant gaps remain, particularly for adolescents facing violence, bullying, poverty, family mental illness or other vulnerabilities. They called for a coordinated, multisectoral response, sustained financing, trained human resources and stronger information systems to ensure effective prevention, care and recovery services. The National Mental Health Campaign-led by the National Health Education, Information and Communication Centre (NHEICC) with UNICEF and WHO support-will focus on strategic communication, community engagement and strengthening systems to normalize help-seeking, reduce stigma and ensure families and young people know where to find mental health support.