Recent emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on protracted emergencies, have highlighted the need for greater risk reduction and preparedness efforts, including those that focus on preparing to provide quality and effective MHPSS before emergencies occur or escalate.

WHO organizes global Build Better Before capacity building workshops that include a first-of-their-kind, full-scale multisectoral field-based simulation exercise focused on testing and scaling up MHPSS operational readiness. By 2025, these trainings have reached more than 115 organizations from 67 countries, each with a follow-up plan for integrating MHPSS preparedness into their work plans and programming.

WHO provides capacity building and technical support to countries and partner agencies on a range of other topics to ensure quality, timely, and coordinated MHPSS. The WHO online MHPSS orientation course for experts and non-experts on establishing, supporting, and scaling up MHPSS has reached over 25,000 learners globally.