Facilitating community based mental health reform in the Asia Pacific

Asia - Australia Mental Health

Dramatic changes in western countries

Most people treated by a specialty provider in an inpatient setting

Most treated as outpatientsand live in a community setting

20 years ago Today

Uneven global reform

Presence of community care for mental health in each WHO Region

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Africa

Americas

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S outh-East A

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Western

Pacific

World

WHO R egionsC ountries (% )

WHO Mental Health Atlas 2005

Where present in Asian countries community mental health facilities are often restricted to a few areas within the country

The reality

• In some communities, people with mental disorders are tied or chained to trees or logs

• Others incarcerated in prisons without having been accused of a crime.

• In many psychiatric institutions and hospitals, patients face gross deprivations

New opportunitiesKey opinion and government leaders in Asia are recognising the need for reform in mental healthGrowing group of dedicated emerging mental health professionals in the region

Leveraging networks and experienceFor 20 years, Australian individuals have built strong long term professional relationships with colleagues in the regionPooled and expanded knowledge and networks within a new consortium facilitate government and institutional mental health reform in Asia

• strong foundation partners

• Corporate sector

• Philanthropic foundations

An Australian based consortium

• Government agencies

• Non government organisations

Asia-Australia Mental Health

Our Strengths

Experience and acknowledged expertise

• international collaboration • policy development • mental health system reform • national and international project delivery• research • training program development • marketing and public relations

Our approach

• Collaboration between colleagues coming from different cultures and perspectives provides the best hope for the creation of creative and constructive answers

• All Asia-Australia Mental Health initiatives and programs are:– Collaboratively planned and delivered– Incorporate cultural and national specific needs and priorities

Peoples Republic of China

Malaysia

Republic of Korea

Japan

Multi-lateral

Thailand

Where we work

Collaboration with WHO in multilateral projects

• Asia-Pacific Community Mental Health Development project will address the pressing need to develop practical approaches to community mental health care in the region

• High level representation from Indonesia, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Mongolia and Australia

• Last meeting was at WPA Melbourne 2007 – representatives from all countries attended

• Country reports based on regional practices and solutions currently being compiled for publication

The work is just beginning

AAMH is confident and experienced in delivering flexible and culturally appropriate outcomes for partners in the region