Mental health conditions remain among the most under-addressed health challenges globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The Astellas Global Health Foundation supports initiatives that improve access to mental health prevention, diagnosis, and care for underserved populations, with a focus on community-based approaches, early identification, and continuity of care for patients and caregivers.
An estimated 85% of people living with mental, neurological, and substance use disorders in low- and middle-income countries do not receive the care they need, reflecting persistent gaps in service availability, affordability, and integration into primary healthcare (World Health Organization).
Inclusive mental health and psychosocial support in Central America
Christian Blind Mission (CBM) received a three-year grant of USD 1.5 million to strengthen inclusive mental health and psychosocial support services in Guatemala and Honduras. The program responds to rising levels of depression, anxiety, suicide, and gender-based violence, particularly among adolescents, women, and persons with disabilities in underserved and rural communities. Activities include professional counselling, community-based support, awareness raising, and strengthening referral and institutional systems, with a strong emphasis on disability inclusion and gender sensitivity.
Community health workers play a critical role in expanding access to essential health services in underserved and hard-to-reach communities, particularly in settings with severe shortages of trained healthcare professionals. The Astellas Global Health Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen community-based healthcare delivery by enabling community health workers to provide timely, accessible, and quality care close to where people live.
In many low- and middle-income countries, community health workers deliver the majority of primary healthcare services in rural and remote areas, yet often operate with limited training, equipment, and support, constraining their ability to respond effectively to community health needs (World Health Organization).
Strengthening community-based emergency care in Malawi
St John International received a two-year grant of USD 400,000 to support community-based emergency and first aid services in Lirangwe and Ameca Catchment Areas of Blantyre Rural, Southern Malawi. The program will train and equip around 4,000 community health workers to act as first responders and health educators. By improving early response to common emergencies and strengthening referral links to health facilities, the project aims to expand access to basic, life-saving care for communities facing severe health workforce shortages.
Natural disasters and climate-related events increasingly disrupt health systems and disproportionately affect vulnerable communities in low- and middle-income countries. The Astellas Global Health Foundation supports initiatives that strengthen disaster preparedness, surveillance, and response, with a focus on building resilient health systems and protecting access to essential services before, during, and after crises.
Globally, climate-related disasters have increased in frequency and severity over the past two decades, placing growing strain on fragile health systems and increasing the risk of disaster-related illness and mortality, particularly in highly exposed and conflict-affected settings (World Health Organization).
Disaster preparedness and health system resilience in Mozambique
Johanniter International Assistance received a USD 250,000 grant to strengthen disaster preparedness and health system resilience in Cabo Delgado Province, Mozambique. The 12-month program focuses on rehabilitating climate-resilient health facilities, training health workers and community responders, and strengthening local disaster risk management structures. By integrating health, water and sanitation, mental health, and community coordination, the initiative aims to reduce disaster-related illness and mortality in one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable regions.
Since its establishment in 2018, the Foundation has awarded approximately USD 14.8 million in grant funding to 17 organizations, reaching around 32 million people. In earlier funding cycles, it supported a broader range of health initiatives, including programs focused on neglected tropical and communicable diseases, children’s health, and community resilience. Through these former funding categories, the Foundation partnered with international and local organizations to strengthen health systems, expand access to essential services, and respond to humanitarian and public health emergencies across low- and middle-income countries. While these areas are no longer standalone funding categories, the experience and lessons from these investments continue to inform the Foundation’s current approach to advancing access to health.
