WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE
REGIONAL OFFICE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC BUREAU REGIONAL DU PACIFIQUE OCCIDENTAL
REGIONAL COMMITTEE Fifty-second session Brunei Darussalam 10-14 September 2001 Agenda item 19
WPRlRC52INGO/3 13 September 2001 ORIGINAL: ENGLISH
STATEMENT BY DR KAZUYOSHI YAMAMOTO, REPRESENTATIVE, WORLD FEDERATION OF MENTAL HEALTH Mr Chairman, Director-General, Dr Omi, Regional Advisers, Professor, His Excellencies Chief Representatives of Member States of WHO, I would like to take this great opportunity to introduce to you the World Federation of Mental Health, an international nongovernmental organization for mental health since 1984. I, Dr Yamamoto from Japan, as the regional vice-president for the Western Pacific of WFMH appreciates greatly that WHO chose mental health as the theme of World Health Day this year and HWO is holding a round table discussion on mental health from yesterday which indicates WHO's increasing attention to mental health for the first time. WFMH has been maintaining relationship in the United Nations system since the Federation was found in 1984 which includes specialized agencies such as WHO and ILO. It has cultivated contact with UN Office for more than 50 years to advance understanding of mental health. In 1999, the WFMH sponsored a one-year position for medical experts at the World Bank to ensure that mental health issues were considered when the Bank lent money for health programmes and extended it until 2002. The mission of WFMH is to promote among all people and nations the highest possible developmental health in its broad biological, medical, educational and social aspects not simply psychiatric and psychotic disorders. The World Federation for Mental
Health envisions a world in which mental health is a priority for all people. Public policy and programmes reflected crucial importance of mental health in the lives of individuals, families, and community and in the political and economical stability of the world. The interdependence of mental and physical health within the social environment is fully recognized. Programmes focused on
obtaining research for promotion of mental health and optimal function, prevention of disorders and
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care and treatment for those with mental health problems throughout their life cycle, those who experience mental and neurological, psychological disorders understood and accepted and respected and treated it equitably in all aspects ofhfe. To realize the above vision, the Federation has four goals. First, to heighten public awareness about the importance of mental health and to gain understanding and improve attitudes about mental disorders. Second, to promote mental health and optimal function. Third, to prevent mental"
neurological and psychological disorder. Fourth, to improve the care and treatment of those with mental, neurological and psychosocial disorder. To achieve our four goals, the Federation has several programmes alongside advocacy of the United Nations and World Bank initiatives as already mentioned. The WHO Biennial World Congress has taken place in different regions such as Japan in 1993, Ireland in 1995, Chile in 1999 and Canada this year. The next Congress will take place in Melbourne, Australia, in this Region in the year 2003 - the programme of health, education, science, example of good practice and fellowships. They highlight the importance of mental health issue and draw them to the attention of governments and leaders in the Region where the conference is held. The Federation has begun programme on promotion and prevention for the biennial conference which will be held in alternate years from the World Congress - next Congress will be held in London. World Health Day, established in 1992, is an annual event held close to October 10 to draw attention to selected issues - the days marked it in many countries with national and local public educational campaigns. World Health Day campaign will focus on the topic mental health and work which is continued from last year. Last but not least, I would like to mention the International Committee of Women Leaders for Mental Health which was founded in 1992 by Mrs Rosalyn Carter, former First Lady of the United States of America, as Chairperson. Women are beginning to be national political leaders - First Ladies and Royalties - who have offered to support mental health. Its original goal was to support the first Mental Health Day and its activities. Fortunately, three women leaders in this Region - one from Malaysia, one from the Republic of Korea and one from Palau - participated in these activities. In conclusion, I strongly recommended the decision-makers of health policies to contact members and representatives of the Federation for planning of mental health services in their countries. They can provide, update .knowledge and experience and expertise from their extensive experience in the field of mental health. In particular, from a multidisciplinary approach not only medical and psychiatric professionals but also consumers and carers, families due to improved mental health services will be available. They were regarded merely as burdens but as Mr John McGrath said yesterday their experiences improve our services and be a good partner to work in the development of mental health services. Thank you very much for your attention.