The International Equally Well Scorecard is a global initiative that benchmarks how countries are addressing the physical health inequities experienced by people living with mental health challenges. The project examines national policies, strategies, research, prevention programs, shared care models, screening initiatives, anti-discrimination efforts and system-level reforms designed to improve health outcomes and reduce the life expectancy gap.

Global Leadership Exchange Canada 2026

New report highlights why expanding international Equally Well movement is urgent

A new report about Protecting and Improving the Physical Health of People Living with Mental Health Conditions, summarises the discussions and commitments that emerged from the 2026 Equally Well Global Leadership Exchange match.

Thirty researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates, community leaders, and people with lived experience from six countries came together virtually and at Canadian Centre for Mental Health, to address an urgent challenge: improving the physical health of people living with mental health challenges.

We shared lessons from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK and the U.S., and explored approaches to integrated care, cancer screening, metabolic health, collective impact, and system accountability.

The discussions highlighted that physical and mental health are inseparable, and that closing persistent gaps in life expectancy, access to care, and health outcomes will require lived experience leadership (as in genuine power sharing, not tokenism), collaboration, measurement, and accountability.