Cost-benefit analysis of mental health and psychosocial support interventions in schools and learning environments in emergencies

Investing in MHPSS related education programmes is found to be of benefit for children and economies.

 During emergencies, a complexity of variables can impact a child’s mental health, exacerbating existing mental health conditions, reducing education participation, and worsening educational outcomes. Low educational attainment and mental health problems can severely affect lifetime earning potential and economic productivity.  

This policy brief outlines the global economic costs of mental health conditions among children and adolescents affected by humanitarian emergencies. It further describes the economic benefits of addressing the mental health needs of children and adolescents through education related MHPSS interventions.

This policy brief is intended for policymakers, national governments, mental health and education coalitions, practitioners, and advocates. It provides an overview of the findings of a global cost-benefit analysis on mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) interventions in education settings across the humanitarian – development nexus.