World Health Day 2026: Standing with science for mental health

7 April 2026 Brussels — On World Health Day, the European Federation of Psychologists’ Associations (EFPA) joins the World Health Organization’s call to action under this year’s theme: “Together for health. Stand with science.”

Mental health must be part of the scientific foundation shaping health policy and practice across Europe. Psychological research continues to provide strong evidence on how to support and prevent mental health difficulties and promote wellbeing across the lifespan. Yet access to these evidence-based approaches is still uneven, and public trust in science is increasingly challenged.

This perspective is reflected in EFPA’s ongoing focus on mental health and digitalisation. These priorities highlight both the need to strengthen access to psychological care and the importance of responding to new societal developments, particularly the rapid changes brought about by digital technologies.

As part of this work EFPA will host a webinar on 8 May 2026 during European Mental Health Week dedicated to youth mental health in the digital age. The webinar will bring together perspectives from psychology, policy, and youth organisations to explore how digital transformation can be shaped in ways that support mental health and wellbeing. The event will address the growing recognition that online safety and digital well-being are public health issues.

EFPA calls on policymakers, professionals and communities across Europe to recognise mental health as an essential part of overall health and to ensure that the approach taken is built upon evidence-based psychological science.