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PANAMA CITY, Panama, Jun 23, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda has welcomed the historic adoption of the Declaration on Improving Mental Health in the Americas noting that climate-related disasters, economic vulnerability, social disruption and the enduring effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have intensified the need for stronger mental health systems throughout the region.
The declaration was adopted at the ongoing 56th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS), with the Antigua and Barbuda ambassador, Sir Ronald Sanders, underscoring the importance of mental health as a pillar of human well-being, social cohesion and sustainable development.
Sir Ronald noted that, at the request of Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Antigua and Barbuda had initiated the discussion on mental health at the previous General Assembly that was held in St. John’s.
He told delegates Tuesday that the initiative was driven by the conviction that mental health is fundamental to the resilience and progress of societies across the hemisphere with the Caribbean island stressing that these pressures are shared across the region and require a collective response through hemispheric cooperation.
He said that mental health must be understood not only as a health concern, but also as a development, education, labour and human rights issue. In that regard, the newly adopted Declaration is being viewed as an important commitment by member states to deepen cooperation, share best practices, expand access to quality mental health services, and advance people-centred policies focused on prevention, care and recovery.
Antigua and Barbuda further welcomed the Declaration’s recognition of the needs of persons and groups in situations of vulnerability, and its affirmation of inclusive approaches to mental health policy.
Sir Ronald said that for too long mental health has remained one of the most neglected public health challenges in the hemisphere and the Declaration represents a collective affirmation that mental health is integral to human dignity, social well-being and sustainable development, and an investment in healthier and more resilient societies throughout the Americas.
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