XXth World Congress of The World Federation for Mental Health
Theme: ‘Mental health in times of crisis- Building comprehensive health care systems.’
Venue: Intercontinental Citystars Cairo Egypt
Date: 16-19 October 2015
Dear Friends,
We are counting down to the XXth World Congress of The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) which is being held at the Intercontinental Citystars, Cairo Egypt from 16th-19th October 2015.
On October 16th-19th 2015 mental health advocates, service users, carers and professionals from around the world will gather in Cairo to voice a message of harmony at this congress entitled ‘Mental health in times of crisis- building comprehensive health care systems.’
The first World Congress in 1948, held in London just after the end of the Second World War faced the issue of ‘Mental health and world citizenship’ posing the question: ‘Can the peoples of the world learn to co-operate for the good of all?’
Nearly seven decades later we are faced with another global crisis of identity, social injustice and discrimination which has an even more profound effect on people with mental health conditions and their families.
The XXth World Congress of the WFMH provides us with an opportunity to address the question; what is the role of advocates, service users, carers and professionals in providing a culture of care and harmony for future generations?
Cairo has gone through many transitions and is finally emerging into a buzzing metropolis that offers the visitor a sense of vibrant presence. People who care about mental health should to come and support this congress in Cairo, so that the needs of those who face mental health challenges are highlighted and addressed.
The XXth World Federation for Mental Health World Congress has local and international support including the Behman Hospital and the Egyptian Society for the Rights of People with Mental Illness as hosts and the World Psychiatric Association, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation who are co-sponsors.
This Congress promises to deliver a unique experience for collaborative work and the list of Distinguished Speakers who care about mental health keeps growing. Mrs. J Sadat, Dr I. Serag Eldin, Dr Z. Hawas will talk about Egypt’s heritage in the field of development. Prominent names in the field of Mental Health include Prof Dinesh Bhugra CBE, Prof Sir Simon Wesley, Prof Susan McDaniel, Prof Michelle Riba and many others.
The XXth WFMH World Congress will also see the 41st WFMH President Professor George Christodoulou after his successful two year tenure handing over to the 42nd WFMH President Professor Gabriel Ivbijaro MBE who has promised to make Dignity and Mental Health parity the theme of his two year Presidency. Please come to Cairo and be part of the transition.
The social program is an example of Egyptian hospitality, with a Welcome Reception hosted by The Minister of Tourism, an evening at The Sound and Light Show by the Pyramids and an evening at The Cairo Opera House.
So please come to join us. Submit your abstracts or register to attend. Visit
www.wfmh2015.com
Remember that symptoms are not a barrier to recovery, attitude is. Please play your part to make a difference.
Gabriel Ivbijaro MBE
President Elect WFMH