[WSIS CS-Plenary] WG on Health (Mental and Physical) - Invitation

[Elizabeth Carll, PhD]

Dear All,

I had the pleasure of meeting many people from diverse backgrounds and
interest groups at WSIS and was impressed by the extensive work done by many
to accomplish agreement on the CS Declaration by such a diverse group.

In discussing the omission of any reference to the utilization of ICT for
access to and dissemination of mental health information in the WSIS
Principles and Plan of Action,  it became apparent that much needed to be
done to highlight this  important area.  Fortunately we were able to include
language in the CS Declaration as to the important role of ICT to mental
health.

As a result of the need to continue to highlight the importance of a
comprehensive view of health care, as often mental health is seen as
disconnected from physical health care, the formation of a Health Working
Group/Network was recommended with the goal of having both mental and
physical health information made available to all people via ICT and
integrated in the outcome processes leading to WSIS Phase Two.  All those
interested in health issues are invited to join to exchange information and
strategies.

Mental health is fundamental to overall health and productivity and is the
foundation for learning, thinking, communicating, self-esteem, resilience,
as well as successful functioning in one's work, family, community, and
society. Yet the majority of the world's people do not receive treatment for
diagnosable mental disorders as mental health is often viewed as
disconnected from health services.

While physical health information is recognized as needing to be accessed
via ICT, mental health information needs to be made available, especially to
developing countries, in the following important areas:

1.  Prevention and treatment of  mental disorders - More than 400 million
people are known to suffer from mental and brain disorders and these numbers
are expected to rise sharply over the next few decades, particularly among
people in the developing world.  Despite, the enormous social and economic
burden, more than 40% of the world's countries have no articulated mental
health policy, and over 30% have no mental health programs.

2.  Access to mental health expertise and scientific knowledge to benefit
traumatized populations - survivors of war, oppression, violations of human
rights, terrorism, and other traumatizing life events, as well as
underserved communities or those without services due to dangerous
circumstances, will be able to receive support and maximize coping.  An
important component would  include the development of effective risk
communications strategies to disseminate necessary information and also help
alleviate fear and anxiety in the wake of traumatic community events.

3.  Promotion and protection of mental health -such as information about
normal psychological development of children needs to be made available to
health care professionals as well as the public, particularly women who are
the main health providers in families, to help foster health and resilience.
Access to information is also necessary about the psychological impact of
catastrophic and chronic diseases such as AIDS, cancer, heart disease.
Research and information needs to be made available as to the psychology of
behavioral change approaches to foster treatment compliance and best
practices to limit spread of diseases such as AIDS.

If you are interested in joining Working Group on Health (Mental and
Physical) and/or have suggestions regarding issues, please contact me.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all,

Dr. Elizabeth Carll
Focal Point
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies;
Chair Media/ICT Working Group,
NGO Committee on Mental Health, New York
Tel: 1-631-754-2424
Fax: 1-631-754-5032
ecarll at optonline.net

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