Design and Implement a strategy for equitable and effective participation in mental health (COBOG0013)

Commitment ID

COBOG0013

Commitment Title

Design and implement a district-wide strategy to strengthen access, equity, and effective participation in mental health for Bogotá’s population.

Problem

Mental health in Bogotá faces a complex situation, with a high prevalence of mental and emotional disorders, and structural barriers that limit access to services, citizen participation, and territorial equity. According to the 2024 Health Situation Analysis, after the pandemic, there was an increase in care for people with mental disorders, substance use, and epilepsy: in 2023, 8.4 out of every 100 inhabitants received care, with a higher proportion among women. The most common conditions are anxiety, sleep, mood, and neurodevelopmental disorders. About 13.66% of the population has sought mental health care, mainly young people, women, and residents of middle to upper socioeconomic levels in urban areas. The highest prevalence rates of depression and anxiety are found in Teusaquillo, Usaquén, and Antonio Nariño, while the greatest risks occur in Santa Fe, Ciudad Bolívar, and Kennedy. Additionally, 16.74% of the population reports denial of services or delays in appointments and authorizations, reflecting inequalities and challenges in guaranteeing the right to mental health.

Status quo

12.4% of Bogotá’s population considers their mental health to be poor or fair. 60% report that obtaining an appointment was easy, and among them, 83% believe that the treatment met their needs. Regarding service quality, 64.08% say the consultation time was sufficient, and 58.19% rate the service as good or very good, while 23.72% consider it fair and 18.09% rate it as poor or very poor. The highest satisfaction levels are reported in Chapinero (88.18%), Usme (70.88%), and Engativá (69.98%); the lowest in Tunjuelito (39.19%), Puente Aranda (29.66%), and San Cristóbal (29.24%). 16.74% of respondents report denial of services, mainly in Ciudad Bolívar, Rafael Uribe Uribe, and Sumapaz. The main barriers identified are long waiting times for appointments (65.35%) and delays in EPS authorizations (26.97%). Eleven of Bogotá’s twenty localities have been prioritized in the Local Well-being Plans to strengthen mental health services and promote equitable access across the city.

Action

Incorporation of Mental Health into the Healthcare Model: The District Health Secretariat integrates mental health into the healthcare model through a strategic line that promotes comprehensive and equitable access. This includes strengthening the MAS Bienestar Teams, Day Programs, and community-based services, as well as monitoring Health Benefit Plan Administrators (EAPB) to ensure service quality and continuity.
Local Actions Funded by Participatory Budgets: Citizen and community participation is encouraged in identifying mental health challenges and creating well-being strategies, thereby strengthening local support networks and promoting healthy coexistence.
Technical Assistance for Health Participation Bodies: Technical support is provided to organizations, committees, and citizen oversight groups to build capacities for advocacy, project formulation, and sustainability of mental health initiatives.
Creation of Integrated and Coordinated Care Pathways: The Mental Health Care Pathway is implemented in coordination with Health Benefit Plan Administrators (EAPB), integrating different levels of care to guarantee continuous and coordinated services.
Strengthening Community Capacities: Through the MAS Bienestar Model, participatory educational processes are developed to promote self-care, emotional health, and the creation of healthy environments.

How will the commitment contribute to solving the public problem described above?

Health Care Model with a population-based and differential approach, emphasizing mental health.
Participatory budgets for mental health, ensuring active citizen involvement.
Technical assistance for health participation bodies to strengthen advocacy and sustainability.
Comprehensive and integrated care pathways for health and well-being.
Development of personal and social skills for mental health care, linked to actions promoting a culture of mobility and citizen safety.

What long-term goal as identified in your Open Government Strategy does this commitment relate to?

This commitment aligns with the long-term objective of the Open Government Strategic Vision, which seeks to improve citizens’ daily lives through participation, transparency, and collaboration in public management, contributing to the fulfillment of the District Development Plan. Through the District Mental Health Strategy, it promotes equitable access to services, community co-responsibility, and the co-creation of solutions that strengthen emotional well-being. By involving citizens in identifying issues, designing actions, and monitoring results, this commitment embodies the Open Government approach—making mental health a shared public matter, with accessible information, participatory decision-making, and coordinated actions among institutions, communities, and territories to improve quality of life in Bogotá.

Primary Policy Area

Safety Nets & Economic Inclusion, Social Accountability

Primary Sector

Health & Nutrition, Land & Spatial Planning

What OGP value is this commitment relevant to?