Advancing Mental Health Through Innovative and Inclusive Solutions Amid Climate Change and Disasters in Malaysia

WHO is seeking for a qualified, eligible and competent proposer for the Advancing Mental Health Through Innovative and Inclusive Solutions Amid Climate Change and Disasters in Malaysia Malaysia is increasingly vulnerable to climate related hazards such as floods, landslides, droughts, and haze events, with flooding being the most recurrent and impactful disaster. Seasonal monsoon rains regularly cause widespread population displacement, property damage, and economic losses. These recurring disasters significantly affect population mental health, increasing risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and chronic stress, especially among those repeatedly exposed to such events. Additionally, survivors frequently experience long-term psychological distress such as fear, anxiety during monsoon seasons, and trauma-related symptoms like flashbacks and sleep disturbances, with vulnerable groups, particularly low-income populations including migrant populations, children, and the elderly, being disproportionately affected. Climate change is expected to intensify these challenges by increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events in Malaysia. As disaster exposure becomes more frequent, mental health impacts are much likely to worsen. Furthermore, climate change is expected to widen existing inequalities, as vulnerable populations face disproportionately higher risks due to compounded risks from displacement, socio-economic disadvantages, livelihood disruption, and reduced access to mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, where mental health systems may struggle to meet the rising demand. Despite growing recognition, responses to climate-related mental health challenges remain fragmented and insufficiently integrated into national climate action, disaster risk reduction (DRR), and health systems.

To advance and protect the mental health of populations at-risk, the WHO Representative Office in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei Darussalam (WCO) together with the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office (WPRO) is implementing a multi-country project to establish climate-resilient mental health systems by integrating mental health into national climate action, disaster risk reduction, disaster management and health policies. This multi-country project, drawing on lessons from countries exposed to higher incidence of disaster events, will then inform a regional toolkit to establish similar resilient health systems elsewhere within the Western Pacific Region. This country specific project component aims to generate country-specific evidence to inform more integrated, inclusive, and climate-resilient mental health systems.

Instructions for Submission of Proposals:

• Submit proposals no later than 17 August 2026, 12 midnight, GMT +8
• Proposals should be submitted through the WHO e-Tendering Platform (In-Tend).
• If you experience technical difficulties uploading your proposal, please submit it to wpmyswr@who.int and wproungm@who.int
• Please quote “WPRO/DAF/SAO/SUP/P/0009422” in the subject line of all related correspondence.