Table 2 Features of effective capacity-building suggested by this review

• Meaningful partnership, in some cases between better and less well-resourced settings.

• Establishing sustainable long-term support networks both between regions of mental health care delivery within a country and between nations, which develop over periods of years.

• Technical and advisory support materials founded on regional and national experience and expertise, to assist with local mental health policy-making and planning.

• Local statutory co-operation with interventions, with opportunities to expand successful models.

• Emphasis on training, education and empowerment of leadership, including through formal qualifications.

• Multidisciplinary investment targeting a range of mental health professionals and stakeholders, including service users, carers and staff in allied sectors such as social services.