Deepanwita Martin
Over 260 Million People in the Region Affected, 200,000 Suicides Annually
Thimphu, Bhutan, 30 November 2024
Dr. Saima Wazed, Regional Director of the World Health Organization (WHO) South-East Asia Region, has drawn urgent attention to the growing mental health crisis in the region. Speaking at The Pema Mental Health Symposium in Bhutan earlier this week, Dr. Wazed highlighted alarming statistics: over 260 million people in the South-East Asia Region live with a mental health condition, and approximately 200,000 suicides are reported each year.
Addressing policymakers, mental health advocates, and health professionals, Dr. Wazed stressed the critical need to enhance mental health services, stating:
“Mental health care is not a luxury; it is a necessity for thriving societies. The time to act is now.”
The South-East Asia Region, home to a significant portion of the world’s population, faces multiple challenges in addressing mental health, including stigma, limited resources, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure. Dr. Wazed emphasized integrating mental health into primary healthcare systems and increasing investments in mental health services across member countries.
The symposium in Bhutan underscored the importance of regional collaboration in tackling these issues. Bhutan’s focus on Gross National Happiness, which includes mental well-being as a pillar, was highlighted as an example of prioritizing mental health in national policy.
WHO South-East Asia is committed to supporting member states in achieving universal health coverage with a focus on mental health as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr. Wazed called for greater awareness, stronger partnerships, and concrete actions to ensure mental health services are accessible to all.
The symposium concluded with a shared commitment to scaling up mental health initiatives across the region, marking a step forward in addressing one of the most pressing health challenges of our time.