News reports from around the globe http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/ The University of Leicester in the UK is leading a study looking at the number of adults in the community who have an autism spectrum disorder. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/europeukleicesteruniversityresearchautism280508.htm In recent weeks the news has been dominated by stories of soaring food prices which are affecting the world’s poorest people. During the last year, the cost of foodstuffs which form the basis of poor people’s diets has increased sharply; rice by 75 per cent, and wheat by a staggering 130 per cent. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/globalpensionspovertyhelpageinternational090508.htm A regional centre in Thailand stocked with supplies to combat a potential outbreak of avian influenza has been opened by the US Agency for International Development [USAID]. The disease remains a major threat along the Mekong River, a massive territory which takes in Burma, Laos, Thailand and Cambodia, before terminating in Vietnam. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/asiathailandusaid070408.htm A new study from the Netherlands has found that patients who received 12 sessions of cognitive behaviour therapy [CBT], in addition to treatment as usual, had greater reductions in self–harm, suicidal thoughts and symptoms of depression and anxiety, compared with a control group who only received the usual treatment. The CBT group also displayed significant improvements in self–esteem and problem–solving ability. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/europenetherlandsselfharm070408.htm More people in Malawi will have access to safe drinking water and sanitation services, thanks to a project to expand the water supply to areas previously without this facility with funds from the Africa Catalytic Growth Fund [ACGF], reports the World Bank. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/africamalawidrinkingwatersanitation070408.htm The Bolivian Government has been urged to address older women’s poverty and ensure that they have the right identity documentation so they can access the services that are theirs by right. The call has come from the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women which monitors the implementation of the International Treaty on Women’s rights. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/centralsouithamericaboliviawomenpoverty290308.htm Some fatal diseases have reduced in incidence while rates of others have seen a sharp increase, reveals a national study Indicators for chronic disease and their determinants, carried out by the Australian Institute of Health and Social Welfare. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/oceaniaaustraliahealthwelfare290308.htm The highest ever rates of multi–drug resistant tuberculosis [TB] have been reported in the most comprehensive survey to date on the scale of the problem. The report, Anti–tuberculosis drug resistance in the world, is based on data collected between 2002 and 2006 on 90,000 TB patients in 81 countries. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/globaltbsurvey290308.htm Nova Scotia Minister of Health Tony Clement recently announced plans to spend $8 million on two pilots for Patient Wait Time Guarantees. The new projects will test the waiting time guarantees in the areas of diagnostic imaging, for example, scans, and orthopaedic surgical services. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/northamericanovascotiashorterwaitingtimes190208.htm Continuing a series that began in 2000, the Fifth World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and Prevention of Mental and Behavioral Disorders will take place in Melbourne, Australia, on 10–12 September 2008. The deadline for abstracts is 25 February. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/globalmelbourneconference190208.htm Ministers from Norway and China recently signed a framework agreement on co–operation and dialogue on climate change in Beijing. This is due to long–standing co–operation between the two countries on environmental matters which China is interested in strengthening and Norway’s recognition that it is impossible to deal with climate change without China’s involvement. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/europenorwaychinacooperation190208.htm A highly advanced ophthalmology centre under construction in Port Mourant is well on the way to being built, reports the Government Information Agency in Guyana. It should open this year and people from neighbouring countries are expected to benefit as well as local residents. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/centralsouthamericaguyanaeyecare190208.htm At least 56.000 people have been affected by severe floods in Mozambique, 1,000 households have been destroyed, 37,000 hectares of farmland are under floodwater and many older people are struggling to survive, especially those who look after children orphaned by AIDS. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/africamozambiquefloodcrisis190208.htm The company Ultrasis which provides interactive healthcare products, is to work with Opening Doors Limited, a provider of psychological healthcare in New Zealand, which will act as a distribution partner for the Ultrasis product, ‘Beating the Blues’. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/newzealandhealthcareprovider290108.htm An announcement by the Minister of Health that if patients under an involuntary treatment order have parental responsibilities, a risk assessment and care plan before discharge will be mandatory in future has been endorsed by members of the Royal Australasian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists’ [RANZCP] Queensland branch. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/australiachildrentreatment280108.htm A new partnership has been signed between the Northern Ireland Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety and Partners International Medical Services [Partners HealthCare], a major healthcare provider in the United States. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/northernirelandhealthsocialcareuspartnership280108.htm The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s Dementia Manifesto 2007-2009 sets out a three–year strategy of solutions and targeted investment in order to meet the needs of individuals and families affected by Alzheimers disease and other dementias. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/republicofirelandalzheimersdisease280108.htm A 90–day campaign called ‘Arabs Hand–in–Hand with Iraqis’ began recently to raise awareness and funds for hundreds of thousands of Iraqi refugees through the media by broadcasting feature stories, documentaries, advertisements and other programmes about the plight of refugees to Iraq’s neighbour countries. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/asiarefugeesiraqiawareness280108.htm The World Bank has approved a US$117.7 million loan for the Kazakhstan Health Sector Technology Transfer and Institutional Reform Project which will be implemented by the Ministry of Health from 2008 to 2013. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/kazakhstanhealthtechnology280108.htm With the region affected by heavy rains and floods that have spread to countries including Zambia, Malawi and Madagascar, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has issued a warning of a potentially disastrous flood crisis in Southern Africa. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/southafricacrisisfloods280108.htm Australia will give $1 million through its international aid agency, AusAID, to organisations helping to meet the immediate needs of people affected by the post election violence in Kenya and to help prevent further conflict. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/kenyaaustraliaviolenceaid280108.htm Tests carried out in response to a report of a student with TB at Central Falls High School in Rhode Island have come back negative. The Department of Health says no new cases of active TB were identified and a smaller than expected number of students and staff had positive skin test results. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/northamericahealthstudents280108.htm To reduce the time it takes to identify an illness or other public health threat, including chemical and radiological hazards that could have an international impact, and to mobilize a more timely and effective response, new International Health Regulations [IHR] designed to halt the spread of dangerous diseases and other threats have recently come into force. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/americahealthdiseases280108.htm The 'Get Checked Programme' funded by the Ministry of Health has been established to ensure that every New Zealander with diabetes gets a free annual check–up with their GP or practice nurse. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsoceanianewzealandgpcheckup170108.htm 'Human rights in a diverse community' is the theme for the first Social Work National Conference which brings together all manner of professionals with an interest in social work from across Canada. The aim is to stimulate dialogue and inspire new insights into issues of human rights and access to services at the gathering, which takes place in Toronto, 22–25 May 2008. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsnorthamericacanadatorontohumanrightsconference100108.htm Sierra Leone has been chosen to hold the Eleventh Nutrition Forum of the Economic Community of West African States from September 2008, the West African Health Organisation has announced http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsafricaserrialeonenutirion170108.htm A wide–range of changes is being introduced during 2008 in social affairs and health matters which will affect all from young to old in Finland. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedseuropesocialoldyoung170108.htm An extra $4.8 million in humanitarian aid to assist vulnerable and displaced Kenyans after violence recently erupted across the country will be provided by the US Agency for International Development [USAID]. This is in addition to $200,000 which went to the Kenya Red Cross Society to buy and distribute emergency relief supplies. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsglobalusaidkenyaviolence170108.htm Delegations of older people from 27 countries who met with government Ministers in October as part of the Age Demands Action campaign, have received firm commitments of increased pensions, improved healthcare and better access to basic needs, such as food, water and credit. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsrssnewsfeedsglobalcampaignelderly071107.htm This year’s World Mental Health Day on 10 October, inaugurated a year–long campaign by the World Federation for Mental Health [WFMH] to draw attention to multicultural issues in mental health care. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsglobalmentalhealth251007.htm It will be interesting to see how the 2007 programme of progress towards a more healthy population by the provisions of improved healthcare has been made in Ghana once all the statistics have been collated and assessed. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsafricaghanahealthcare241007.htm Following a newspaper report that a shortage of cribs [bassinettes] in the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto meant that some babies were left lying in cardboard boxes, an investigation was launched by the Department of Health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsafricasowetobabies241007.htm Research into the SARS outbreak of 2003, which has since been developed to cover a wider range of infectious diseases, such as influenza and multi–drug resistant bacteria, is the concern of the Hong Kong–based Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases which received an initial Governmental grant of $450 million. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsasiahongkongdiseases241007.htm Early this month [October] it was announced that talks had begun between the Government and insurance companies on the implementation of the Health Insurance Bill. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedseuropehungaryhealth241007.htm The recent Australian Government announcement of a five–year plan to improve the coordination of clinical care for those with severe mental illness, has been welcomed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsoceaniaaustraliaclinicalcarementaldisorders231007.htm In a move to make the best possible use of strictly limited health resources, the Ministry of Health has announced the implementation of the Health Management Reform Project which is funded by the Australian Government. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsoceaniafijihealthcare231007.htm The month of October marks the commencement of a drive to promote greater understanding of autism, its effect on both the family and social life. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsnorthamericacanadafamilies231007.htm The new Port Loyola Acute Mental Health Day Care facility has been designed to help in the daily management of acute psychiatric patients and in the daily hygiene management of ‘homeless’ chronic psychiatric cases. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewreportscentralsouthamericabelizementalhealthpatients231007.htm World Food Day on 16 October was marked by a forthright statement from Jean Ziegler, United Nations [UN] special rapporteur on the right to food. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsglobalun231007.htm The national review carried out by the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection assessed England’s 174 Local Implementation Teams [LITs] on three criteria: the involvement of people who use services; access to appropriate care and treatment [such as talking therapies] and recovery and social inclusion. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedseuropecommunitymentalhealth091007.htm Most of America’s estimated 16.4 million current drug users and around 15 million heavy alcohol users hold full time jobs, according to a study by the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA]. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsnorthamericadruguserswork091007.htm A report from the World Bank entitled The Promise of Youth: Policy for Youth at Risk in Latin America and the Caribbean, says it will be much more beneficial, both socially and financially, to invest in young people, especially those at risk, than to pay for the consequences of not doing so. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedscentralsouthamericacaribbeanyoungpeople091007.htm A grant from the American Food Conservation and Health Foundation to develop a system to treat hookworm infections has been awarded to the Konbit Sante Cap–Haitien Health Partnership, a non–profit organisation, whose aim is to improve the public health system in northern Haiti. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedscentralsouthamericahaitipublichealth0910107.htm The first–ever report which highlights children’s special susceptibility to harmful chemicals at different periods of their growth has recently been published by the World Health Organization [WHO]. It shows that the stage at which exposure to chemicals occurs may be just as important as the magnitude of the exposure. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthrssnewsfeedsglobalchemicalsharmchildren091007.htm The World Health Organization [WHO] recently issued new global guidance for the use of insecticide treated mosquito nets. The WHO recommends that the nets be long–lasting, distributed freely or subsidised, and used by all in countries where malaria is a common and serious health problem. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsglobalkenyamalaria2909072.htm A recent report from Medecins Sans Frontieres [MSF] shows a price rise of up to 500 per cent for less toxic first–line regimen drugs to treat HIV/AIDS in the developing world. This, together with the significant delays between when newer treatments become available in rich countries, and when they become available in the developing world, continue to hamper worldwide efforts to combat the epidemic. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsglobalaidsdrugs2909071.htm The European Commission has approved the Mental Health Development Project for Palestine, a three–year initiative with a value of 3,400,000 Euros. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsasiapalestinementalhealthdirectorate2909071.htm In late August 2007 health ministers and senior decision–makers from the Baltic countries, along with international experts, met in Parnu, Estonia, where they looked into how governance can improve access to healthcare, its efficiency and quality. Also on the agenda was health insurance, how to maintain financial sustainability and accountability in the health sector. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewseuropethebalticestoniahealthgovernance2909071.htm Two Hospital Benchmark Information reports produced by the Ministry of Health aim to give the public and District Health Boards a clearer idea of hospital performances. They track all public hospitals in New Zealand, measure their success in key areas, allow accurate comparisons to be made between hospitals and help them find ways to improve. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsoceanianewzealandhospitalsreports2909071.htm Non–communicable diseases [NCD’s] now claim more lives in Uruguay than infectious diseases, according to the World Bank. In recognition of this fact, the bank has approved a loan for US$25.3 million to support the Uruguay Government in its efforts to strengthen the delivery of health services and the current framework for NCD’s. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewscentralsouthamericauruguay2409071.htm With over one hundred children in foster care and not enough homes to provide for them, Bermuda’s Department of Child and Family Services is calling for more mature, responsible and committed adults to provide a supportive home for foster children until their own families are able to provide for them again. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsnorthamericabermuda2409071.htm According to a recent meeting of regional health ministers, Africa has made considerable success in its goal to eliminate leprosy. Forty–four out of 46 countries have met the elimination target for 2007 and only two countries in the region, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique, are still highly endemic. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsafricacongomozambique2409072.htm Dr Luis Sambo, World Health Organization [WHO] regional director for Africa, recently reported that Nigeria, as of March 2007, is the only country in its region known to be endemic with the wild polio virus. But, that it has made good progress in its efforts to eradicate the virus since 2006. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsafricanigeria240907.htm Up–to half of all people with severe mental health disorders, and the vast majority of those with mild or moderate disorders, worldwide do not receive any treatment, according to the World Health Organization [WHO]. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/mentalhealthnewsglobalworldwide2509071.htm The National Institute of Mental Health [NIH] reports that most children treated for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder [ADHD] showed sustained improvement after three years in a major follow–up study. Yet, increased risk for behavioural problems, such as delinquency and substance use, remained higher than normal. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907northamericanewsreports1.htm A statement from Te Ohu Rata o Aotearoa, New Zealand’s Maori Medical Practitioners Association [Te ORA], calls for well–resourced, consistent and sustained long–term strategies in addressing Aboriginal health and social outcomes in Australia’s Northern Territory. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907oceanianewsreports1.htm The United Nations Economic and Social Council [ECOSOC] has called for investment in tourism, agriculture and the textile and assembly industry to strengthen Haiti’s economy and to promote stability. The investment would help to combat high levels of poverty in the country which has the highest child and maternal mortality in the western hemisphere. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907southamericanewsreports1.htm The world’s poorest nations must harness science, technology and innovation to be able to achieve the kind of economic growth needed to reduce poverty, according to a report entitled, Knowledge, Technological Learning and Innovation published by the United Nations [UN] Conference on Trade and Development. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907globalnewsreports1.htm The United Nations Childrens Fund and France has donated nearly $400,000 worth of anti–malaria drugs to the Government of Liberia. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907africanewsreports1.htm In response to the severe floods in Parkistan earlier this year, Medecins Sans Frontieres [MSF] teams continue to provide medical supplies and help to complement the work of the Parkistan Ministry of Health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907asianewsreports2.htm British International Development Minister, Shahid Malik, recently signed a new 10–year development partnership agreement with the Government of Yemen during a visit to the country. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907asianewsreports1.htm The Government of Norway has recently initiated a long–term strategy to reduce social inequalities in health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907europenewsreports2.htm The Principality of Monaco has recently appointed Jerome Galtier as The Delegate for the disabled. Mr Galtier is well qualified for his new role as he has experience in working for the disabled in the principality. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/120907europenewsreports1.htm Older persons across four continents will meet with their Governments on 1 October, UN International Day of Older Persons, under the banner of Age Demands Action, in the first–ever co–ordinated action of older persons to enact change. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/040907globalnews1.htm The Big Lottery Fund recently announced a £126 million investment package to help boost health in the United Kingdom [UK]. The grant will be spent at national, regional and local levels to promote exercise and healthy eating in order to bring good mental and physical health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/220807europenews1.htm Recent reports have linked mental illness, alcohol and drug misuse in Australia’s indigenous communities, but the Mental Health Council of Australia warns, such problems are not confined to these populations alone. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/220807oceanianews2.htm A five year, Australian Government programme designed to improve the co–ordination of clinical care for people with severe mental health needs has been warmly welcomed by the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/220807oceanianews1.htm The World Federation for Mental Health [WFMH] will hold a conference on 'Transcultural Mental Health in a Changing World: Building a Global Response' on 29–31 October 2007 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/300807globalnews1.htm A United Nations Commission on Food Standards is seeking new measures to ensure safer infant powdered formula and hygienic egg production in order to improve food quality and protect consumer health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/140807globalnews1.htm The belief that violence and rape increases HIV in conflict areas, with those forced to flee having a high prevalence of the virus, has been challenged by a new study from the United Nations refugee agency. The report examined 12 refugee camps in seven African countries, namely the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Somalia and Burundi. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/220807africanews1.htm According to the World Bank by 2025 many countries in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union will have some of the oldest populations in the world. This will pose a threat to the region’s recent economic success if pension and health care reforms are not properly tackled and policies put in place to promote productivity growth. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/140807europenews2.htm At the second United Nations [UN] global compact leaders summit recently, hundreds of business leaders pledged to comply with labour, human rights, environmental and anti–corruption standards on a wide–ranging declaration to make globalization more beneficial to the people of the world. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/130807globalnews2.htm A tropical disease which affects millions in Latin America and elsewhere is to be eliminated by 2010 if efforts by the World Health Organization [WHO] and partners are successful. Chagas disease, caused by a parasite, can lead to an infection which causes chronic debilitation due to progressive destruction of the heart muscle. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/130807globalnews1.htm A report from the National Audit Office which calls for dementia to be treated as a national health priority has won the support of the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/140807europenews1.htm Unemployment is a stronger predictor of self–harm among younger people than parental social–class or gender, according to a study published in the Royal College of Psychiatrist's British Journal of Psychiatry. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/130807europenews1.htm New 2006 estimates recently released by the National AIDS Control Organization, supported by United Nations [UN]AIDS and the World Health Organization [WHO], indicate that national adult HIV prevalence in India is an estimated 3.1 million people living with HIV in the country. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/130807asianews1.htm Following the recent death of a 12 year–old girl with female genital mutilation, the Egyptian Government has made moves to stop this traditional practice, according to the United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF]. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/130807africanews1.htm The August 2007 edition of the Health Promotion Journal of Australia [HPJA] is now available online at: http://healthpromotion.org.au/journal.php. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/070807oceanianewsreports3.htm The Australian Government has provided a total of $79.9 million for the Improved Services for People with Drug and Alcohol Problems and Mental Illness measure. This reflects the fact that co–occurrence of substance abuse and mental health problems is commonly associated with poor treatment outcomes, severe illness and high service use, according to Cristopher Pyne, Minister responsible for illicit drug use. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020807oceanianews1.htm Funds to help frail older Australians who need advice about their care options will be increased to $68.5 million the Government announced recently. The Aged Care Assessment Program ensures that frail elderly Australians who are no longer able to manage at home without assistance can get advice about suitable care services. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020807oceanianews2.htm The World Bank has approved new projects to strengthen national health insurance and scale–up the fight against malaria and to improve nutrition and child survival in Ghana with a financial boost of US$40 million. It also announced an International Development Association credit of US$60 million for the Government of Tanzania to support the second phase of the health sector development project. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/070807africanews1.htm Asha–Rose Migiro, United Nations Deputy–Secretary General [DSG], recently called for a more broad–based effort to tackle the impact of HIV/AIDS on women and girls. Efforts must be guided by two principles; accountability and a drive to achieve measurable results, she said. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/070807globalnews1.htm Dementia patients and their families will benefit from a new person–centred care model approach for patients with diseases, such as Alzheimer’s. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020807northamericanews1.htm The Moving People campaign, headed–up by the consortium of Mind, Mental Health Media, Rethink and the Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College London, has been awarded £18 million to combat stigma and discrimination in relation to mental health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020807europenews2.htm Choose Life, a nationwide anti–suicide organisation, is calling for Scots to lift–the–lid on their emotions and sign a pledge to be more open about their feelings in a bid to improve the nation’s health and help prevent suicide. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020807europenews1.htm Since renewed fighting broke out in Palestine, the International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC] has sent surgical teams, drugs and other medical supplies to assist medical staff in Gaza’s hospitals. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020807asianews1.htm The National Institute of Mental Health has approved funds to test the effectiveness of an early intervention in children at high risk for developing bipolar disorder. The long–term goal of this study is to reduce or delay the development of bipolar disorder in at risk youth, and to head–off the effects of the disorder before it disrupts healthy development and functioning. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/230707northamericanews2.htm Canada’s recently elected Government has signed the first nation’s health agreement with British Columbia and First Nations Leadership Council which aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the population, close the gaps in health and ensure that First Nations are fully involved in decision–making with regard to the health of their peoples. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/230707northamericanews1.htm The International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC] has for the first time been able to come to the aid of 6,500 people who have taken refuge in the town of Kaga–Bandoro, which is North East of the capital Bangui. The Agency reports the conditions are harsh but not as deadly as the outbreak of fighting between Government forces and armed opposition which broke out in the North West of the country around six months ago and forced people to flee. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/230707africanews1.htm The United Nations–backed [UN] global fund to fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria has lauded the recommitment from the group of eight leading industrialised nations [G8] at the recent summit in Germany to universal access to HIV/AIDS treatment, but warned that commitments must be turned into tangible action and urged the leaders to step–up their response. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/230707globalnews1.htm UK–based Muslim Aid and US–based United Methodist Committee on Relief [UMCOR] recently signed a partnership to build peace and help relieve poverty across the globe. At an official ceremony held in London, both organisations made an official agreement that could result in around £7.5 million in direct relief to disaster, war and conflict ridden areas of the world, including Sri Lanka and Indonesia. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/190707globalnews1.htm 'Joining forces across Europe for prevention and promotion of mental health' is the theme of the next European Mental Health Conference which takes place in Barcelona, Spain, from 13 to 15 September 2007. The aim is to support future initiatives of the European Commission in mental health, to build on the promotion and mental disorder prevention components of the World Health Organization 'Declaration and action plan for mental health.' http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/180707europenews1.htm The Ethiopian Government and United Nations [UN] partners are to target 14 million children in a polio campaign, specifically aimed at those less than five years of age in order to protect them from the devastating disease. A four day, house–to–house campaign has taken place in collaboration with UN World Health Organization and the UN Children’s Fund. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/180707africanews1.htm The Carter Center Mental Health Program has named eight recipients of its eleventh annual Rosalynn Carter Fellowships for Mental Health Journalism, including six from the United States and two from southern Africa. Two Romanian journalists will be named at a later date. Each fellow will receive a stipend to study and report on a particular mental health issue for one year. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/180707globalnews1.htm Male veterans in the general US population are twice as likely as their civilian peers to die by suicide, a large study shows. Most previous studies on suicide among veterans relied on data from those who receive care from the Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] system, yet most veterans do not get their care from this source, says the National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/100707northamericanews1.htm Recently launched by the Schizophrenia Research Institute is the largest campaign in Australia for research into the illness. A massive effort to recruit 4,000 volunteers is underway to create an unprecedented new resource for worldwide schizophrenia research. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/100707oceanianews1.htm The Care organisation recently announced a grant from the Goldman Sachs Foundation to strengthen education programmes for teenage girls in India. The grant will support Care’s work in residential schools in India’s largest state, Uttar Pradesh, where less than half of females are literate. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/100707asianews1.htm When it comes to a therapeutic activity, drumming may not be the first thing to spring to mind, but according to one health professional at South Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust [SEPT], England, it really works. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/100707europenews1.htm The United Nations Population Fund [UNFPA] works globally to end obstetric fistula – an abnormal hole in the birth canal caused by prolonged labour without speedy medical attention – in Sudan, where 5,000 new cases occur every year. The UN campaign in Sudan started in 2003 and currently operates in over 40 countries and aims to end fistula by 2015. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/050707africanews1.htm Healthcare and patient advocates from North and South America attended a gathering near Chicago recently for an intensive three–day workshop focused on efforts to improve patient safety in mother and child care. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/050707centralsouthamericanews1.htm New data on rates of depression taken from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s [SAMHSA] National Survey on Drug Use and Health, shows that among 12 to 17 year–olds rates of a major depressive episode [MDE] in the past year were highest in Idaho and Nevada and among the lowest in Louisiana and South Dakota. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/050707northamericanews1.htm The first country–by–country analysis of the impact environmental factors has on health has been published by the World Health Organization [WHO]. The data shows inequalities but also shows that in every country, people’s health could be improved by the reduction of pollution, hazards in the workplace, UV radiation, noise, agricultural risks, and the climate and eco system. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/040707globalnews1.htm An injection of $18 million in donations is to keep humanitarian workers flying to remote locations in Sudan’s strife–torn Darfur region through to October has been agreed, the United Nations [UN] World Food Programme [WFP], which runs the air operation, said recently. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/040707africanews1.htm Substance misuse is found in the majority of people with first episode psychosis, a new study has found. Misuse of alcohol, cannabis and other illegal substances is common among people with psychotic illnesses, and there is evidence that there may be casual links between cannabis and psychosis, according to the report published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the United Kingdom. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/040707europenews1.htm According to Age Concern New Zealand older people will have more chronic conditions and will find it more difficult to navigate the health system and access services than younger individuals, despite assurances from the National Health Committee. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020707oceanianews1.htm President Bharrat Jagdeo has urged all Guyanese people to become better acquainted with his Government’s plans to improve lives and transform the infrastructural landscape of the nation. He also urged citizens not to focus so much on the negative, but to adopt a more optimistic attitude about Guyana and its future. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020707centralsouthamericanews1.htm ‘Babies Can’t Wait’ is the name of Georgia’s state–wide, multi–agency service for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. It guarantees all eligible children, regardless of their disability, early intervention and access to services that will enhance their development. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/020707northamericanews1.htm The closely–related WFHM world congress on the topic of ‘The impact of Culture on Mental Health’ will be held on 19–23 August 2007 in Hong Kong. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/260607globalnews2.htm Unless governments prepare for ageing, the number of poor and vulnerable older people will continue to rise, warns HelpAge International. The global network of not–for–profit organisations says research shows that older people are among the worst–off in many societies because governments have not prepared for the world’s rapidly ageing population. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/270607globalnews1.htm South Australia’s health system is to have a new safety and quality council to ensure that patients get the best care and treatment, Health Minister John Hill announced recently. It will report back to the Department of Health and provide advice on the delivery of healthcare services in the area, with patient care and safety as its priority. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/260607oceanianews1.htm At the World Water Day event, the director general of the World Health Organization, Dr Margaret Chan, said that the global scarcity of water had already affected four–out–of–every–ten people, with serious health consequences as a result, both from the lack of water itself and from food borne or water borne diseases. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/260607africanews1.htm Finland’s National Health Roadmap for the European Union’s eHealth Action Plan, called–for at the end of 2006 along with all other member states, presents a continuation of the country’s work and national strategies started in the 1990’s and outlines how, in the future, these will work in co–operation with partners at the European level. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/250607europenews1.htm To support services for victims of crime the Canadian Government has announced the establishment of Canada’s first office for a Federal Ombudsman for Victims of Crime. This delivers on a promise by the Government do more for the victims of crime and gives them a stronger voice in the criminal justice system, according to the Minister of Justice, Rob Nicholson QC. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/250607northamericanews1.htm ‘Zero Hunger’ is a wide–ranging public policy which aims to end hunger and poverty in Brazil. The Brazilian Government reports that it involves society as a whole, not just the state, because it regards hunger as a central national issue, rather than an individual problem. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/250607centralsouthamericanews1.htm Medecins Sans Frontieres, [MSF] the international medical aid organisation, has responded to the G8 leader’s declaration on innovation and intellectual property with a statement that it will directly harm access to medicines across the developing world. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/200607globalnews1.htm The Meningitis Vaccine Project [MVP] recently released data on the performance of a vaccine trial that could provide long–term, low–cost protection from meningitis epidemics in West African children and their communities. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/200607africanews1.htm A new cannabis control and prevention centre is to be established by a national consortium led by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, the Australian Minister for Ageing, Christopher Pyne, has announced. The Minister said the centre would play an important role in the provision of information, particularly to young people, on the risks associated with cannabis use. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/200607oceanianews1.htm People injured by landmines in Afghanistan are to receive increased assistance since a new agreement between the Government and the United Nations Mine Action Centre for Afghanistan [UNMCA]. The June pact signed with the Ministry of Public Health will boost support for the integration of disabilities issues into public health services say the UN. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/190607asianews1.htm A new approach to tackle malnutrition that combines community–based care with traditional hospital–based treatment has shown progress in dealing with severe acute malnutrition, which affects an estimated 20 million children under–the–age of five worldwide, says the World Health Organization [WHO]. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/190607globalnews1.htm What is the number one killer of people under the age of 40 in the United States of America? AIDS, cancer or even drug and alcohol–related deaths might come to mind, but serious injury, from accidents or acts of violence represent the leading cause of premature death according to the American Trauma Society. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/160607traumafeature2.htm Medecins Sans Frontieres [MSF] delivers humanitarian aid wherever it is needed, often the first to arrive in crisis–hit areas and, in some cases, is the only aid agency to be there at all. MSF volunteers give life–saving medical assistance to people who would otherwise be denied even the most basic health care. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/160607msffeature1.htm African Ministers responsible for health and transport have resolved to work together to stop the growing epidemic of death and injuries on the roads, and have reaffirmed road safety as a key development priority at the African Road Safety Conference held recently in Accra. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307africanews2.htm The World Federation for Mental Health [WFMH] joined with the Clifford Beers Foundation, The Carter Center and a Norwegian NGO, Volksne for Barn [Adults for Children], to organise the Fourth World Conference on the Promotion of Mental Health and the Prevention of Mental and Behavioural Disorders, which took place in Oslo during October last year. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one060307globalnews1.htm New Ministers and State Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport recently took office in Holland. Andre Rouvoet was sworn in as Minister for Youth and Family and as Vice Prime Minister, Ab Klink is the new Minister of Health and Jet Bussemaker became the State Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one020307europenews1.htm Governments have two years to see whether a United Nations–backed [UN] voluntary programme to reduce health and environmental threats from toxic mercury works, or whether an international, legally–binding treaty is needed to curb the heavy metal which is linked to a wide–range of medical problems, including babies who may be at risk of neurological damage. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307globalnews2.htm Scientists from the University of Auckland, alongside colleagues in Sweden, have discovered how new brain cells migrate throughout the brain to other areas which include those affected by neurological diseases. They also found that much of the brain’s ability to regenerate remains active even in older people. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one020307oceanianews1.htm Bob Butterworth, the Florida Department of Children and Families secretary, has announced three additions to his leadership team. This forms a part of the present transition period under the direction of Governor Charlie Crist. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307northamericanews1.htm Mental Health Europe [MHE] has contributed towards the joint responses to the Commission’s communication on health services which have been submitted by the European Public Health Alliance and the European Patients Forum. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one200307europenews1.htm The Bureau of Social Policy, Research and Planning Unit previously announced by the Ministry of Social Transformation has started work, according to an announcement by the Permanent Secretary, Shirley Farnum, who said that some members of the staff were already in place. The Unit’s director is Kirk Humphrey, formerly with the Child Care Board, and his deputy is RoseAnn Richards, a lecturer of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one020307centralsouthamericanews1.htm The Ministers for Health of Singapore and Brunei have signed a Memorandum of Understanding [MOU] to foster greater co–operation in healthcare by the two countries. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one020307asianews1.htm The United Nations [UN] refugee agency is going ahead with its programme of repatriation for the many thousands of refugees from Liberia who are presently camped out in Guinea which itself is facing political turmoil and instability. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307africanews1.htm Ten years since the inception of the United Nations [UN] Trust Fund to end violence against women, officials have called for more action, while acknowledging the real progress that has been made to–date. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307globalnews1.htm On Saturday 7 April, the Brisbane Obsessive Compulsion Disorder Support Group continues its established tradition of celebrating Easter and World Health Day with a social gathering. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one270307oceanianews1.htm The Open Health Information Project is a global collaboration between public and private institutions to develop open source software solutions for the health information community and is led by Oregon State University’s Open Source Lab. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one200307northamericanews1.htm The Icelandic Government is to double its contribution to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency [UNRWA] to 0.2 million USD in 2007. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one050407europenews1.htm Initiatives to improve the quality of life for Chileans across a range of issues are still the main focus of the Government according to President Michelle Bachelet. The Government made this statement in response to criticisms from the opposition that the current administration is too focused on the nation’s capital, Transantiago, and its public transport system. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307centralsouthamericanews1.htm A US$ one million dollar grant from the Asian Development Bank’s [ADB] Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, financed by the Government of Japan, is set to improve the livelihoods of poor farmers and disadvantaged groups in Nepal. The Government of Nepal will contribute $314,000 towards a development project to be executed by The Ministry for Agriculture and Cooperatives. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one130307asianews1.htm A joint report has been released by a group of major banking organisations, including the World Bank and prominent institutions from Africa, Asia, Europe and America which announces positive results in the adoption of ‘Managing for Development Results’ practices. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one200307africanews1.htm The Mental Health Alliance, a coalition of 78 organisations working together for a better Mental Health bill in the United Kingdom, has gathered evidence from across the world on the topic of Community Treatment Orders [CTO] and has discovered little evidence of their effectiveness. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one270307globalnews1.htm An up–to–date website has been launched by the Government of New Zealand that deals with the whole area of mental health. It provides information on the Mental Health Directorate, the National Mental Health Plan, the Mental Health Act and other resources that may be of value to those with an interest in this field. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one050407oceanianews1.htm Fair Instant, a new fair trade instant coffee brand, aims to raise £200,000 for the Save the Children’s Fund. It will donate 20 pence from each jar sold to the charity’s programme in Columbia, which aims to increase the number of children that go to school, in order to help lift them out of poverty and give them better life chances. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one270307centralsouthamericanews2.htm Projects designed to promote health care services for the elderly have been announced by the Deputy Health Minister, Morakot Kornkasem. The scheme, which marks the 80th birthday of His Majesty the King, consists of 13 projects over the course of the year for which the sum of one billion baht [over $300,000] has been allocated. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one200307asianews1.htm TB anywhere is TB everywhere, was the theme of World TB Day 2007 in March, which the Government of Botswana says is a reminder that although tuberculosis is a preventable and curable disease, it is also a global emergency. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one150407africanews1.htm Five years after United Nations member states signed the Madrid Plan of Action on Ageing [MIPAA], research from HelpAge International shows that older people’s experience of poverty and discrimination has not improved. Preliminary results from HelpAge International’s 10 country review on how far MIPAA is being implemented will be presented at the 45th session of the Commission for Social Development in New York. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one050407globalnews1.htm In response to the fact that depression is now the most common cause of non–fatal disability in Australia, the Government launched the National Depression Initiative and an independent public company, Beyond Blue, was formed in 2000 to take it forward, with a $17.5 million Government grant for five years. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one160407oceanianews1.htm Mental Health America, a countrywide, non–profit organisation, has issued new public policy statements that reflect its official stance on four issues that affect the mental health of Americans. The organisation’s board of directors updates the association’s policy position statements every five–to–seven years to address the nation’s mental health. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one050407northamericanews1.htm Industrial action by nurses in Northern Ireland has been averted since talks between the nurses unions and their Health Service employers started recently. The nurses want reduced working hours and a pay increase, while those who work in Dublin are also seeking a special allowance. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one160407europenews1.htm A national campaign by the Jamaican Red Cross to reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS has started recently. It is to be carried out with funds from the United States Ambassador’s Fund and seeks to educate the population about HIV/AIDS as well as to improve access to treatment. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one270307centralsouthamericanews1.htm Over 400 of the worlds top cancer experts, researchers and policymakers will convene in Singapore for The Lancet’s Asia Medical Forum on Cancer Management in Asia in the 21st century, on 21–22 April, 2007. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one050407asianews1.htm Discussions about the National Strategic Plan on HIV, AIDS and sexually transmitted infections for 2007–2011 took place in March at a two–day national consultative conference. Attended by representatives from Government, business and civil society, the conference welcomed the draft National Strategic Plan as a milestone in South Africa’s efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one160407africanews1.htm The global shortage of health workers is to be tackled by a new global taskforce. With a shortfall of 4.3 million health professionals worldwide, including one million in Africa alone, there is an urgent need to increase the number of doctors, nurses and other health care workers to deal with the immediate health crises at grassroots level, according to the World Health Organization [WHO]. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one160407globalnews1.htm Denmark will continue to lead–the–way in efforts to reduce the amount of harmful trans fat acids in food, now that the European Commission has given up its case against the country over Danish laws to limit the content of these substances in its food products. In 2004 Denmark implemented a maximum two per cent trans fat acid limit for the total fat content in foods, far under the EU allowable 32 gram percentage. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one160407europenews2.htm Thirteen research teams have been awarded more than $20 million to find practical and sustainable solutions to global health problems. The Teasdale–Corti Team Grants will see Canadian health researchers work in collaboration with their counterparts in the developing world to tackle some of the planet’s most urgent public health challenges. http://www.one-worldmentalhealth.org/one270307northamericanews1.htm