The World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 ...

The World Mental Health Day is observed every year on 10 October. This year's theme of the day is "LIVING WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA". Schizophrenia is a serious and potentially incapacitating mental illness that affects how a person thinks, feels, and acts. It is one of the leading causes of disability globally, affecting approximately 26 million people worldwide.

There is significant inequality in access to treatment for the people with schizophrenia. Despite being a treatable disorder, more than 50% of people with schizophrenia cannot access adequate treatment, and 90% of people with untreated schizophrenia live in the developing world. It imposes a heavy toll on the individuals who experience it, and their family members and caregivers. Moreover the high level of stigma associated with schizophrenia is an added burden especially in developing countries.

In Bangladesh there is an opportunity to improve public understanding of schizophrenia, and draw attention to the needs to health professionals, family members and other caregivers so that the best possible care can be provided. Adequate thrust is required to raise public awareness about schizophrenia in general, social stigma in particular. I believe observance of the day will fuel the thrust towards sustainable sensitization regarding schizophrenia.

I express my appreciation to all those involved in preparing and supporting the 2014 World Mental Health Day in Bangladesh and applaud their energetic efforts and synergism in making the "Living with Schizophrenia" worth living.

Dr N. Paranietharan WHO Representative to Bangladesh

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