The Asia Pacific Disaster Mental Health Network

Setting a Mental Health Agenda for the Region

Bibliographic Data

ID15465811
AuthorsElizabeth A Newnham (0000-0001-5042-108X, Harvard University, corresponding author), Peta L Dzidic (Curtin University), Peta Dzidic (0000-0002-8608-3825, Curtin University), Enrique Mergelsberg (0000-0002-7048-830X, Curtin University), Bhushan Guragain (Centre for Victims of Torture, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal), Emily Ying Yang Chan (0000-0002-8854-5093, Harvard University), Yoshiharu Kim (0000-0002-7316-6867, National Institute of Mental Health), Jennifer Leaning (0000-0001-5390-2858, Harvard University), Ryoma Kayano (0000-0003-0973-1080, World Health Organization Kobe Centre, Kobe 651-0073, Japan), Michael Wright (0000-0003-2708-4753, Curtin University), Lalindra Kaththiriarachchi (0000-0001-7385-7855, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University), Hiroshi Kato (0000-0003-0807-1375, Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress), Tomoko Osawa (Hyogo Institute for Traumatic Stress), Lisa Gibbs (0000-0001-9702-6896, The University of Melbourne)
Year2020
Volume17
Issue17
Pages6144-6144
Publication date2020-08-24
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph17176144
PMID32847057
OpenAlexW3080359438
LanguageEN
Citations received8
References cited58

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

Context (archaeology · Disaster recovery · Geography · Mental health · Political science · Psychiatry · Psychosocial · Public health · Public relations · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · COVID-19 and Mental Health · Medicine · Mental Health Treatment and Access · Nursing · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Psychology · Health Policy

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access