Knowledge Summary 31: Maternal mental health: Why it matters and what countries with limited resources can do

Despite being a basic right for every woman and important for the psychosocial well being of women and their children, recognition of maternal mental health has not been a priority on health agendas for many low- and middle-income countries. Mental health and non-communicable diseases have emerged as a central focus for public health experts globally, in discussions about the post-2015 agenda. A paradigm shift towards integrated approaches ensures a responsive health system with strategies in place not only for treatment and care, but also for the promotion of maternal mental health and prevention of mental health problems through broader, cross-sector linkages.