Oluwatobi Adu 
GENEVA, Switzerland – The World Health Organization (WHO) is accelerating the use of digital mental health tools in humanitarian and crisis settings, as evidence shows that technology-driven interventions can help bridge widening gaps in psychological care for vulnerable populations.
The push centres on Step-by-Step, a WHO-developed digital self-help programme that has already reached thousands of users in fragile and conflict-affected communities across multiple countries.
WHO announced on Wednesday that the programme had been recognised as a promising innovation at the World Bank Group’s biennial Fragility Forum in Washington, DC. The event brought together more than 1,500 participants from governments, international organisations and civil society, with Step-by-Step selected from more than 50 innovations reviewed ahead of the gathering.
According to WHO, “Step by Step is a free digital tool developed by WHO in collaboration with Lebanon’s National Mental Health Programme and other partners, that helps people manage depression and anxiety on their own, with light guidance from a trained supporter.”
The programme uses evidence-based methods and picture-based stories delivered through five modules to help users manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Research involving nearly 1,250 participants in Lebanon, including Lebanese and Syrian refugees, found that the intervention significantly reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress while improving daily functioning.
Cost-effectiveness studies also showed that digital mental health interventions could provide affordable support in humanitarian emergencies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where mental health services remain scarce.
The initiative has already been integrated into mental health systems in Lebanon and Thailand, while India-based non-governmental organisation Kaya Guides adapted it for use through a popular messaging platform.
The recognition coincides with the launch of WHO’s new guide, Psychological Self-Help Interventions: Delivering Self-Help for Individuals, which features Step-by-Step and Doing What Matters in Times of Stress.
About the Author
Mirian Gom 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 