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Among low- and middle-income countries, there is evidence that populations experiencing rapid political and economic transition have particularly high burdens of disease and disability from mental health conditions. This paper undertakes a political economy analysis of mental health in Vietnam to enhance knowledge translation, notably how both explicit and tacit knowledge can be used to promote evidence-based policy making. It argues that Vietnam's experience illustrates the need to better understand, not only how transition transforms societies, but how it impacts on the mental health needs and care of populations. The political economy of transition in Vietnam has so far given highest priority to economic growth through integration with the world economy and public sector reform. There is a need to recognise that transition in Vietnam poses both a potential threat to the care of people with mental health needs, and an opportunity to develop mental health services appropriate to local contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite progress, poor performance of Pacific Island health systems continues to be highlighted by treatment gaps. Projecting burden of disease and the human resource requirements for mental health services will help appropriately plan for mental health in the region. We drew upon burden of disease and population data to estimate disability-associated burden of disease from 2010 to 2050 for the Pacific region. Packages of care for low and middle income countries provided a method for estimating mental health staffing requirements. Gaps between estimated target and current staffing levels were estimated. Holding prevalence rates constant over time would see a 74 per cent increase in disability-related burden for mental disorders. Projected increases in workforce requirements over the 2010-2050 period are large. Preparation for the increasing burden of mental disorders into the future is essential. A sustained, collaborative approach must be secured to achieve improvements in mental health services and treatment coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]