The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network: Setting a Mental Health Agenda for the Region

Elizabeth A. Newnham, Peta L. Dzidic, Enrique L.P. Mergelsberg, Bhushan Guragain, Emily Ying Yang Chan, Yoshiharu Kim, Jennifer Leaning, Ryoma Kayano, Michael Wright, Lalindra Kaththiriarachchi, Hiroshi Kato, Tomoko Osawa and Lisa Gibbs
Additional contact information
Elizabeth A. Newnham: School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
Peta L. Dzidic: School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
Enrique L.P. Mergelsberg: School of Psychology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
Bhushan Guragain: Centre for Victims of Torture, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Emily Ying Yang Chan: François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Yoshiharu Kim: National Institute of Mental Health, Tokyo 187-0031, Japan
Jennifer Leaning: François-Xavier Bagnoud Center for Health & Human Rights, Harvard University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
Ryoma Kayano: World Health Organization Kobe Centre, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Michael Wright: School of Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Perth 6845, Australia
Lalindra Kaththiriarachchi: Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University, Rathmalana 10390, Sri Lanka
Hiroshi Kato: Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Tomoko Osawa: Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress, Kobe 651-0073, Japan
Lisa Gibbs: Child and Community Wellbeing Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 17, 1-9

Abstract: Addressing the psychological mechanisms and structural inequalities that underpin mental health issues is critical to recovery following disasters and pandemics. The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network was established in June 2020 in response to the current disaster climate and to foster advancements in disaster-oriented mental health research, practice and policy across the region. Supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) Thematic Platform for Health Emergency and Disaster Risk Management (Health EDRM), the network brings together leading disaster psychiatry, psychology and public health experts. Our aim is to advance policy, research and targeted translation of the evidence so that communities are better informed in preparation and response to disasters, pandemics and mass trauma. The first meetings of the network resulted in the development of a regional disaster mental health agenda focused on the current context, with five priority areas: (1) Strengthening community engagement and the integration of diverse perspectives in planning, implementing and evaluating mental health and psychosocial response in disasters; (2) Supporting and assessing the capacity of mental health systems to respond to disasters; (3) Optimising emerging technologies in mental healthcare; (4) Understanding and responding appropriately to addressing the mental health impacts of climate change; (5) Prioritising mental health and psychosocial support for high-risk groups. Consideration of these priority areas in future research, practice and policy will support nuanced and effective psychosocial initiatives for disaster-affected populations within the Asia Pacific region.

Keywords: disaster; mental health; psychosocial; Asia Pacific; COVID-19; Health EDRM (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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