New York, 9 to 20 May 2016. - During the last session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues that took place at UN Headquarters, PAHO/WHO reiterated its commitment to indigenous health. The 15th Session's special theme was: " Indigenous peoples: Conflict, Peace and Resolution."Meanwhile, PAHO/WHO Gender and Cultural Diversity Unit organized two parallel events. The first one was on climate change, health and welfare of indigenous peoples.
The second event was dedicated to the promotion of mental health and suicide prevention. It was organized in collaboration with the Mental Health Unit and was attended by representatives of Brazil's Secretariat of Indigenous Health, the President of Canada's Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami Organization, and a representative of the Indigenous Fund. Opening remarks were made by the new President of the Permanent Forum, Mr. Alvaro Pop, due to his commitment to this issue and the frequent recommendations made by the members of the Forum to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Chief of the Mental Health and Substance Use Unit, Dr. Devora Kestel, presented PAHO/WHO's work experience on mental health and indigenous peoples carried out in recent years and the publication that summarizes it: Promoting mental health in indigenous populations. Experiences from countries.
