The Regional Committee,
Having considered the report of the Regional Director on prevention of mental, neurological and psychosocial disorders;*
Recalling resolutions WHA39.25 on prevention of mental, neurological and psychosocial disorders and WPR/RC36.R17 on mental health;
Concerned that mental, neurological and psychosocial disorders are assuming greater magnitude in the Region;
Stressing the importance of taking into consideration the psychosocial aspects of health and development programmes;
Conscious of the determinant role of behaviour in the promotion of health;
Considering it to be essential to ensure that appropriate mental health action is included in national socioeconomic development plans;
- URGES Member States:
- (1) to accord increased attention to the magnitude of mental, neurological and psychosocial problems such as suicide, alcohol and drug abuse and mental handicap;
- (2) to formulate or strengthen national policies and programmes to develop measures for the prevention of mental, neurological and psychosocial problems;
- (3) to develop an appropriate information system on which to base the research activities necessary for planning and evaluating mental health programmes;
- (4) to carry out training activities as necessary for the implementation of national mental health programmes;
- REQUESTS the Regional Director:
- (1) to intensify cooperation with Member States in formulating or strengthening and in implementing national mental health policies and programmes;
- (2) to establish mechanisms and undertake action that will enable Member States to learn from each other and mutually support the development of mental health programmes.