Mental Health Resources and Legal Considerations in WHO Publications
World Health Organization (WHO) publications provide accessible, non-commercial resources for global health, including mental health. These documents are licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 IGO licence (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 IGO), which allows for the copying, redistribution, and adaptation of the content for non-commercial purposes, provided appropriate citation is included. This license ensures that users can modify and share the material while respecting the rights of the original creators and the organization.
The content in WHO publications is intended for informational and educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individuals seeking mental health support are encouraged to consult with qualified healthcare professionals for personalized guidance.
WHO explicitly states that the use of its logo is prohibited unless authorized. If users wish to adapt the work, they must adhere to the same or equivalent Creative Commons license. For translations of WHO documents, a disclaimer must be included to clarify that the translation was not created by WHO and that the original English edition remains the binding and authentic version. This disclaimer also notes that WHO is not responsible for the content or accuracy of the translation.
For those interested in purchasing WHO publications, the organization provides an online book order system at http://apps.who.int/bookorders. Additionally, individuals seeking permission for commercial use or with questions about rights and licensing can visit https://www.who.int/copyright.
A critical consideration when reusing material from WHO documents is the responsibility to determine whether third-party permissions are required. For instance, if a document includes tables, figures, or images attributed to a third party, users must assess whether permission is necessary and obtain it from the respective copyright holder. The risk of any legal claims related to the infringement of third-party content falls solely on the user.
WHO also outlines a mediation process for disputes arising from the license, which must be conducted in accordance with the mediation rules of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) at http://www.wipo.int/amc/en/mediation/rules/. These procedures ensure that conflicts over the use or distribution of WHO content are resolved in a structured and neutral manner.
In summary, WHO publications serve as valuable tools for mental health education and advocacy. However, their use is governed by clear legal and ethical guidelines to protect both the integrity of the organization and the rights of users. Individuals and organizations interested in leveraging WHO resources must carefully review and comply with the licensing terms and copyright requirements.