The SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, in partnership with the Mental Health Innovation Network (MHIN), unveiled the MHIN Asia Hub today, marking a significant step in addressing the region’s growing mental health challenges. The announcement was made during the opening of the inaugural Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium, a major event that gathers over 15 global and regional health leaders in Singapore from February 17-19.
A New Era of Mental Health Collaboration
Founded in 2013 by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and the World Health Organization (WHO), the MHIN has expanded its reach across Africa and Latin America. Now, with the launch of the Asia Hub, the network aims to address the unique mental health needs of a region that is home to over half the world’s population. Operating under the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute, the MHIN Asia Hub will facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources, strengthening regional mental health strategies. Since its establishment, the Hub has already attracted more than 2,000 members.
Rising Mental Health Concerns in Singapore and Beyond
Recent findings from the Ipsos Global Health Service Monitor 2023 reveal that mental health has become the top health concern in Singapore, overtaking cancer and COVID-19 in public priority. The survey showed that public concern over mental health in Singapore rose from 41% in 2021 to 46% in 2023.
Recognizing this shift, the SingHealth Duke-NUS Global Health Institute has launched its Global Mental Health Programme, aimed at raising awareness, strengthening mental health ecosystems, and providing thought leadership across Asia.
Professor London Lucien Ooi, Director of the Institute, remarked, “By hosting the MHIN Asia Hub, we are reinforcing our commitment to being at the forefront of global health innovation. Our goal is to translate insights into action, shaping policies that are impactful and adaptable to Asia’s diverse social, economic, and cultural contexts.”
A Platform for Dialogue and Action
The Global Mental Health in Asia Symposium serves not only as the launch event for the MHIN Asia Hub but also as a comprehensive platform for tackling key mental health issues. The symposium, which spans three days, delves into critical topics such as the impact of climate change on mental health, while offering delegates practical insights through workshops and site visits.
Supported by international partners including the World Bank, Musim Mas, INSEAD, and the Bloom Wellbeing Fund, the event has attracted widespread engagement. Delegates will participate in site visits hosted by local organizations such as the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), KKH Youth Mental Health Services, and Silver Ribbon Singapore, among others.
The symposium, which sold out early, features over 70 speakers and 300 delegates from 25 countries, with 92% of attendees hailing from Asia. Notable participants include Professor Vikram Patel, Paul Farmer Professor at Harvard Medical School, and Professor Sameer Hasija, Dean of INSEAD’s Asia Campus. Policymakers from countries such as Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam are also present, further solidifying the event’s significance in shaping the region’s mental health agenda.
Spotlighting Innovative Solutions
In addition to the main discussions, the symposium features more than 60 posters that showcase diverse initiatives aimed at improving mental health in Asia. Topics range from youth-led stigma reduction efforts to peer-led mental health training programs. Selected from over 160 submissions, these posters illustrate the innovative approaches and community-driven solutions shaping the future of mental health care in the region.
Looking Ahead
With its ongoing initiatives and upcoming activities, the MHIN Asia Hub is set to become a central force in transforming mental health care across Asia. By fostering sustained collaboration and sharing innovative solutions, the Hub aims to ensure that mental health advancements reach the communities and individuals who need them most.
The launch of the MHIN Asia Hub is a pivotal moment in the global mental health landscape, one that promises to drive lasting change and improve mental health outcomes for millions across the continent.
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