- Over 75% of mental health conditions begin before the age of 25, highlighting the urgent need for prevention and early intervention.
- Half of the global population (50%) will experience a mental health disorder by the age of 75, with onset typically around 19 for men and 20 for women.
- Cinfa is advancing access to therapeutic solutions throughout the Gulf region by offering high-quality pharmacological options and fostering greater clinical collaboration.
Mental health continues to stand among the most significant social and public health priorities across the Middle East. Over three-quarters of all mental health disorders begin before the age of 25, underscoring the critical importance of early prevention and timely intervention. Globally, one in two individuals—representing 50% of the world’s population—is expected to experience a mental health disorder by the age of 75, with a median onset age of 19 for men and 20 for women.
In the Eastern Mediterranean region, which encompasses much of the MENA area, between 15.6% and 35.5% of adults are living with a mental disorder, with prevalence rates significantly higher in areas impacted by humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, in the Middle East and North Africa, approximately one in six adolescents aged 10 to 19—equating to more than 15 million young people—are currently affected by a mental disorder. Among children under 10, developmental and behavioural challenges also pose a growing concern, influencing around 7% of this age group throughout the region.
Cinfa’s continued commitment to the region reinforces the company’s mission to make quality mental health therapies more accessible. Through the delivery of reliable pharmacological treatments and the promotion of stronger clinical partnerships, Cinfa is helping to improve the standard of care and promote early mental health support for communities across the Gulf and beyond.
Supporting awareness and access through local collaboration
As part of its long-term commitment to improving mental health outcomes, Cinfa is reinforcing its efforts across the Gulf region by addressing key psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and mood disorders — with tailored, evidence-based therapies. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study, schizophrenia in the MENA region affects about 250 people per 100,000 people with an annual incidence of around 15 new cases per 100,000.
The company’s approach prioritizes both accessibility and clinical relevance, aligning with local healthcare priorities.
Cinfa’s therapeutic portfolio in the region includes advanced, scientifically based treatments for complex mental health conditions:
- Olanole (Olanzapine) is prescribed for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
- Zinole (Aripiprazole) is used in various psychiatric indications including schizophrenia and mood disorders.
Through close collaboration with local medical communities, Cinfa seeks to ensure that its treatments respond to the specific needs of each healthcare system, helping to bridge therapeutic gaps and strengthen early intervention pathways in mental health care.
Tackling Mental Health as a Health Priority in the Middle East
Mental health challenges have a direct impact on individual wellbeing, family life, productivity and long-term healthcare needs.
According to the WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, there has been progress towards the global targets of the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan in the region. At the same time, challenges remain—such as further integrating mental health into primary care, increasing the number of trained professionals and reducing stigma. Addressing these areas will help accelerate diagnosis and treatment, particularly among youth and underserved populations, and ultimately improve clinical outcomes while reducing economic burden.
“Mental health includes emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing, it influences how we think, feel, and act,” stated Dr. Alicia López de Ocáriz, Corporate Medical Director at Cinfa. “Early support can be decisive, and improving people’s access to treatment is part of our long-term commitment in the region.”
Empowering Clinical Decision-Making Through Digital Resources
In addition to its therapeutic portfolio, the company continues to strengthen its digital platform to provide healthcare professionals with updated and useful tools. The aim is to offer clinical resources across different therapeutic areas, always aligned with official guidelines, to support daily medical practice and contribute to high-quality patient care.