This year, the WHO Mental Health Gap Forum 2018 (mhGAP Forum) is taking place today and tomorrow. It provides an opportunity for diverse stakeholders to discuss progress on the WHO's Mntal Health Plan 2013-2020. The theme for mhGAP Forum 2018 is "Accelerating Country Action on Mental Health", reflecting the vision of the WHO's 13th General Assembly.
This year, for the first time ever, you can watch the plenary presentations live stream. Access the provisional agenda, and the event webcast link at:
http://www.who.int/mental_health/mhgap/forum_2018/en/
Our Chair, Kate Swaffer is attending and tomorrow will be giving a statement on improving post diagnostic support for people with dementia.
As dementia comes under the Mental Health 'umbrella' at the WHO, even though it is not a mental health condition, it's important to represent DAI.
Kate also reblogged a very interesting post by Tina Minkowitz yesterday on her own website, titled: "Is 'Mental Health' contrary to human rights” as it was World Mental Health Day. It's a very interesting read!
For more information about the event, the WHO website says:
"WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme.
Mental, neurological, and substance use disorders are common in all regions of the world, affecting every community and age group across all income countries. While 14% of the global burden of disease is attributed to these disorders, most of the people affected - 75% in many low-income countries - do not have access to the treatment they need.
The WHO Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) aims at scaling up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries especially with low- and middle-income.
The programme asserts that with proper care, psychosocial assistance and medication, tens of millions could be treated for depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, prevented from suicide and begin to lead normal lives– even where resources are scarce.
This year’s mhGAP Forum will take place on 11-12 October and will provide an opportunity for diverse stakeholders to discuss progress on WHO’s Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020 in countries.
The theme for mhGAP Forum 2018 is “Accelerating Country Action on Mental Health,” reflecting the vision of WHO’s 13th General Programme of Work."