Bangkok, July 3, 2025 —
Saima Wazed Putul, Regional Director for the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, has been honored with the “Mental Health Award 2025” at the 24th Annual International Mental Health Conference.Organizers of the conference in Bangkok, Thailand, announced yesterday that the award was presented in recognition of her invaluable contributions and transformative leadership in the field of mental health.
The organizers noted that Saima Wazed’s work has had a profound impact on shaping the future of mental health not only in South-East Asia but also globally.
The award is seen as a tribute to her dedication to advancing mental health initiatives and policies, improving access to care, and raising awareness about mental health issues across diverse communities.Saima Wazed, a clinical psychologist by training, has long been a passionate advocate for mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism.
She previously served as Chairperson of Bangladesh’s National Advisory Committee on Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and played a key role in drafting the WHO’s resolution on autism spectrum disorders, which was adopted unanimously by the World Health Assembly in 2014.Since becoming WHO South-East Asia Regional Director in February 2024, Wazed has prioritized integrating mental health into universal health coverage and strengthening community-based mental health services. Under her leadership, several countries in the region have adopted new strategies to address mental health stigma, train healthcare professionals, and expand mental health services at the primary care level.Experts believe her efforts are especially timely, as the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent socio-economic challenges have sharply increased the burden of mental health conditions worldwide.
According to WHO estimates, nearly one in five people in South-East Asia experience a mental health issue, yet the majority still lack adequate access to treatment and support.The “Mental Health Award 2025” underscores growing global recognition of the need for strong leadership to address mental health challenges. It also highlights Wazed’s unique role in mobilizing political commitment, promoting inclusive policies, and ensuring mental health remains a central priority in the global health agenda.
