MHIN Asia Hub Launches: A Major Step for Mental Health in Asia
In a groundbreaking milestone for mental health care, the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, in collaboration with the Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN), has unveiled the MHIN Asia Hub. This notable event, a cornerstone of the Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium held from February 17 to 19 in Singapore, highlights a major stride in addressing mental health challenges across Asia.
Expanding a Global Network to Asia
The Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN), established in 2013 by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the World Health Organization (WHO), has expanded its reach to Asia, joining hubs in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Recognizing the critical need for culturally tailored solutions in a region that houses over half the world’s population, the MHIN Asia Hub, operating under the auspices of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, strives to facilitate a robust exchange of ideas and resources, enhancing regional mental health strategies. Since its establishment through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the MHIN Asia Hub already boasts over 2,000 members.
Asia is home to over half the world’s population, yet mental health remains overlooked in many countries across the region. The MHIN Asia Hub will foster regional collaboration, ensuring mental health solutions receive the attention they deserve and are locally relevant.
Dr. Petra Gronholm, MHIN Principal Investigator, and Assistant Professor, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
Mental Health Gains Urgency in Singapore and Beyond
New data from the Ipsos Global Health Service Monitor 2023(1) indicates that mental health is now the top health concern for people in Singapore and 31 other countries, surpassing cancer and COVID-19. Public concern over mental health in Singapore has risen from 41% in 2021 to 46% in 2023.
To address this shift, the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute has launched a Global Mental Health Programme aimed at driving progress through awareness, ecosystem strengthening, and thought leadership.
“Hosting the MHIN Asia Hub underscores our commitment to being at the forefront of global health discussions and innovations. It’s about transforming insights into actions, shaping policies that are both impactful and implementable across Asia’s diverse social, economic, and cultural needs,” said Professor London Lucien Ooi, Director of the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute.
A Symposium of Substance and Scope
The three-day Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium serves as both a ceremonial launch and a platform for in-depth discussions on pressing topics such as the impact of climate change on mental health. Workshops and site visits provide delegates practical insights into the region’s mental health landscape, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities present.
The symposium is supported by numerous international partners, including The World Bank, Musim Mas, INSEAD, and the Bloom Wellbeing Fund, among others. Site visits for international delegates are hosted by various Singapore-based organizations such as the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), The Greenhouse, the National Gallery, KKH Youth Mental Health Services, MOH Office for Healthcare Transformation, NUS Health and Wellbeing, Resilience Collective, and Silver Ribbon Singapore.
Early ticket sales and high engagement levels have solidified the event’s status as an annual cornerstone for mental health professionals and advocates across Asia.
The symposium featured over 70 speakers and 300 delegates from 25 countries, with 92% originating from Asia. Notable participants include Professor Vikram Patel, Professor Sameer Hasija, and policymakers from Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, and Vietnam.
In addition, more than 60 posters on diverse topics—ranging from youth-led stigma reduction initiatives to peer-led mental health training—were showcased. Evolving from over 160 submissions, these posters highlighted a broad spectrum of ideas and initiatives aimed at advancing mental health and driving meaningful change in Asia.
The Road Ahead
With ongoing initiatives and planned activities, the MHIN Asia Hub is poised to be a pivotal force in reshaping mental health landscapes across Asia. This initiative aims to ensure that innovations and solutions reach those most in need through sustained and meaningful collaboration.
Conclusion
The establishment of the MHIN Asia Hub marks a significant step towards addressing the critical mental health challenges in Asia. By fostering regional collaboration, the Asia Hub will ensure that mental health solutions are efficient, relevant, and effective.
As the MHIN Asia Hub continues to grow and innovate, it will play a crucial role in reshaping mental health landscapes across the continent, ensuring better mental health outcomes for millions of people.
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