UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 31st March 2025

Home UPSC Current Affairs WHO recognises Banyan’s mental health housing model in its document

WHO recognises Banyan’s mental health housing model in its document

Why in News?

The WHO has recognised Banyan’s ‘Home Again’ model, a community-based mental health housing initiative, for its success in improving quality of life and social inclusion for individuals recovering from mental illnesses.

Introduction

The World Health Organization (WHO) has once again acknowledged the contributions of Banyan, a Chennai-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), in its recent publication on Mental Health Policy and Strategic Action Plans.
Banyan’s innovative ‘Home Again’ model, which focuses on community-based housing for individuals with mental health conditions, has demonstrated significant improvements in quality of life and community inclusion.

Banyan’s ‘Home Again’ Model: A Shift from Institutional Care to Community Living

Banyan introduced its ‘Home Again’ project nine years ago as a trial initiative to offer long-term, family-like group housing to individuals recovering from mental illnesses. This model challenges the traditional approach of institutionalisation by promoting reintegration into society through:

Reconnecting individuals with families and social networks.
Providing stable housing with long-term support for those in need.
Encouraging independent living in home-like environments instead of long-term institutional care.

According to Vandana Gopikumar, co-founder and managing trustee of Banyan, the model focuses on community participation as a key factor in improving mental health outcomes.

Evidence from a Nine-Year Trial

Banyan conducted a structured trial over three cycles spanning nine years, assessing the impact of transitioning individuals from institutional settings to independent housing. Key findings include:

Increased community inclusion among participants.
Improvement in quality of life and reduction in disability levels with supportive housing services.
Expansion across 10 states, demonstrating the scalability of the model.

WHO Recognition and Policy Implications

The WHO has featured Banyan’s ‘Home Again’ model in its 2021 publication on community mental health services, and now in its latest 2025 guidance document.
This recognition underscores the global relevance of community-based mental health care, reinforcing the shift from institution-based to rights-based, person-centric approaches.
India’s mental health policies, including the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, align with WHO’s recommendations by promoting deinstitutionalisation and community-based rehabilitation.
The recognition of Banyan’s model strengthens the case for nationwide adoption of inclusive mental health care frameworks.

Conclusion

The WHO’s endorsement of Banyan’s housing model highlights the growing importance of community-based mental health care.
By prioritising inclusion, independent living, and long-term support, India can enhance its mental health infrastructure and improve the lives of individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
The success of ‘Home Again’ serves as a blueprint for scaling up innovative, rights-based mental health interventions across the country.