Mental health and well-being in prisons and other detention centres: report of the International Prison Health Conference, Amsterdam, Netherlands (Kingdom of the), 18–19 April 2024

Overview

The 2024 International Prison Health Conference, held on 18–19 April in Amsterdam under the WHO Health in Prisons Programme and cohosted by Dutch justice institutions and WHO/Europe, focused on mental health and well-being in prisons and other detention settings. With one third of people in prisons experiencing mental health disorders and elevated risks of offending among those with mental illness or substance use disorders, the Conference provided a platform to exchange evidence, perspectives, and best practices for improving mental health care and reducing substance use in custodial environments. Approximately 250 participants from 32 countries contributed to the discussions. The meeting resulted in 21 conclusions aimed at guiding WHO Member States in strengthening mental health services for people deprived of liberty.