The COVID-19 pandemic has exacted an enormous toll on the mental health and well-being of the population. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) on the mental health impacts of COVID-19 in the WHO European Region was established in February 2021 to review available evidence on observed and experienced mental health impacts of COVID-19 in the Region, and to identify remaining gaps in the evidence base, key emergent needs and the implications for mental health service development and system strengthening – as part of recovery efforts.

Members of the TAG are individuals with substantial technical expertise and experience in areas related to mental health, including: epidemiology and public health, mental health and well-being across the life-course, service management for COVID-19 affected populations, social determinants and the socioeconomic impact of COVID-19 and other crises, emergency preparedness and response, long-term and social care, ethics, equity, human rights and gender. They include scientists, mental health professionals, service users and technical experts from across countries of the Region. Members are selected on the basis of their individual expertise rather than their affiliation with an organization or institution.