Global health. The current scenario and future perspectives

177 Upcoming challenges for Global Mental Health It is nearly impossible to encompass the myriad dilemmas that are likely to unfold in the coming years, but we can discuss some based on our academic experience in the field we are analyzing. For this purpose, we will divide them into those related to research, those related to human resource development and those encompassing the design and implementation of public policies. In research, a relevant challenge is to improve certain aspects of consensus on operational definitions for research. In clinical practice, current categorical diagnoses will likely give way to multidimensional diagnoses with more flexible criteria and varying levels of cultural appropriateness. This shift will impact epidemiological studies as it will modify the classical definitions of a “case” and alter population diagnoses accordingly. Similarly, there will be a need to incorporate innovation and development (I+D) decisively and generate general and specific knowledge. This requires resources not only for cutting-edge global innovation but also to ensure that local policies, programs and services have effective and universal coverage and, thus, reduce significant inequity gaps present within low- and middle-income countries. Concerning the education of individuals for roles in Global Mental Health, it is imperative to adapt the curriculum, at undergraduate and postgraduate level, to incorporate a global perspective on health issues, with particular emphasis on mental health. This adjustment would enable the acknowledgment and management of factors associated with the globalization process, such as climate change, the internationalization of production processes, the influence of transnational industries and finance, the pervasive use of technology and the tensions between dominant and peripheral poles. Essentially, this aligns with the vision of scaling up the Social Determinants of Health to a global level. Another critical change pertains to instilling psychosocial, communication and teamwork competencies in the mental health field. In the current epidemiological landscape, marked by the rise of non- communicable chronic diseases and mental health issues, coupled with significant health worker migration (referred to as “brain drain”) between countries and regions, individuals in this field need more than just the specific tools of their profession. They must cultivate strong relationships with patients and families through community engagement and recognize the undeniable cultural component that is crucial for proper implementation.