Washington, DC, January 31, 2002 - The stigma attached to mental illness in the Americas is receding as the

Last years World Health Day, with the theme "Stop exclusion--Dare to care," was a milestone in PAHOs efforts to change the perception of government authorities and the public towards the social, economic, moral and humanitarian problems surrounding mental health.

PAHO Director Dr. George Alleyne said, "This is a unique opportunity to work together to improve mental health, one of the most important public health issues for our people. Unfortunately, mental health today has a very modest place in the ranking of our priorities. Despite all the progress made in many other aspects of health, mental health does not yet receive the attention and resources that it deserves."

Although international attention to mental health issues is on the increase, much remains to be done. No country is immune to mental disorders, and their repercussions in psychological, social and economic terms are very high. Worldwide, 400 million persons suffer from mental and neurological conditions or psychosocial problems such as alcohol and drug abuse. At least one in four persons seeking attention in the health services has symptoms of one of these disorders, which often are incorrectly diagnosed and consequently go untreated.

While treatments are available for mental and brain disorders that permit those suffering from them to lead a normal life in their communities, many societies still erect barriers to care and the reintegration of these persons, who continue to suffer from stigma and discrimination. As a consequence, some families avoid seeking medical attention out of shame and fear.

Even extraordinary situations, such as natural disasters, wars or terrorism, when the populations vulnerability to emotional disorders increases, people think twice before going to a specialist for treatment for psychiatric problems out of fear that they will be socially marked. At the same time, some health authorities may not view mental health as a priority when confronted with the pressing problems that ensue after a disaster.

"It is a mistake to think that disaster situations such as earthquakes have only short-term effects that pass with time," said Dr. Jose Miguel Caldas de Almeida, coordinator of PAHOs mental health program. "It isnt easy. Disasters are very traumatic. We are concluding a study of the populations that suffered the fury of Hurricane Mitch, and the results of the investigation so far indicate a high prevalence of cases of mental illness."

Human rights violations in psychiatric hospitals, lack of mental health services at the community level, unfair insurance schemes, and discriminatory practices in hiring are only some of the hurdles that persons with mental health problems face. The responsibility for the perpetuation of these practices lies with both institutions and individuals.

"By accident or by design, we are all responsible for this situation today," said Dr. Gro Harlem Brundtland, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). "Governments have been remiss in that they have not provided adequate means of treatment to their people. And people have continued to discriminate against those that suffer from these disorders."

Mental and brain disorders such as depression or epilepsy can be treated successfully and those suffering from them integrated into society. Important scientific advances have helped reduce the suffering and disability of these afflictions, and excellent methods have been identified for involving the family and the community in the recuperation process.

Dr. Caldas de Almeida argued before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights in February, 2001 that urgent means were needed to protect and promote the rights of the mentally ill in the Americas.

"Persons with mental disorders are often the victims of cruel, inhumane, and degrading treatment and are kept in deplorable conditions in psychiatric institutions that negatively affect their health in general and at times actually threaten their lives," said Dr. Caldas de Almeida. He also outlined PAHOs current initiatives to promote the rights of these patients through its Mental Health Program, which provides technical cooperation to PAHO Member Countries in the areas of mental health and psychiatric care.

As a result of this and other statements by PAHO experts, the Commission on Human Rights recommended that the countries take measures to protect the human rights of the mentally ill.

"The Commission has found that, in the Americas, the clients, the members of their families, mental health workers, lawyers, judges and others involved in the protection of mental health have very limited knowledge of the international norms and the provisions of the conventions that protect the rights of persons with mental illness. Also, in the majority of cases, these norms and provisions have not been incorporated into national law," the Commission said in a special session held in Chile on April 4, 2001.

PAHO, which serves as WHOs Regional Office for the Americas, was officially established in 1902 and is today the worlds oldest international health organization. It works with all the countries of the Americas to improve health and quality of life.

Related Information:
PAHO BOOKS:
Mental Health Services in Disasters: Instructor's Guide
Mental Health Services in Disasters: Manual for Humanitarian Workers