Manila, July 11, 2025 — Mental health is no longer on the fringes of the health agenda in the WHO South-East Asia Region — it has taken its rightful place at the center, said WHO Regional Director Saima Wazed during her keynote speech at the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) INSPIRE Health Forum today.
Speaking at the session titled ‘Investing in Mental Health’, Wazed emphasized that mental health profoundly influences every aspect of life — from physical well-being and productivity to interpersonal relationships and community development.
Highlighting the region’s strategic progress, she noted a critical milestone: the adoption of the #ParoDeclaration on mental health care and services by Member States in 2022. “This was a turning point for us,” she said. “It was a clear confirmation of our collective commitment to ensure universal access to people-centred mental health services, grounded in community-based care.”
The declaration outlines a roadmap to integrate mental health into primary healthcare systems, reduce stigma, and ensure services are accessible, inclusive, and culturally sensitive.
The session underscored the urgent need for greater investment in mental health infrastructure and services, particularly in low- and middle-income countries across the region, where the mental health burden remains significant and under-addressed.
As momentum grows, regional leaders and development partners are being called upon to scale up community-driven mental health initiatives and ensure that no one is left behind.
