Commonwealth Health Ministers Meeting 2013

Theme: ‘Mental Health: Towards Economic and Social Inclusion’

Background

The Commonwealth and CARICOM Heads of Government, through the Statement on Commonwealth Action to Combat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and The Declaration of Port of Spain: Partnering for a More Equitable and Sustainable Future, respectively, led advocacy efforts to highlight the threat of NCDs to health and socio-economic development.  At the Commonwealth Health Ministers Meetings (CHMM) in 2007, 2011 and 2012, Health Ministers also focused on NCDs, alluding to the seriousness of the global threat posed by this group of diseases.  At CHMM in 2010, Ministers were urged to continue playing a pivotal role in the global NCD debate,  and to include mental illness in the context of NCDs.  Ministers were reminded that the neglect of mental illness would lead to increases in homelessness, poverty, disability, suicide, substance misuse, and violence, especially domestic and sexual abuse. 

At CHMM in 2011, Health Ministers agreed to devote the 2013 CHMM theme to mental health.  In 2012, the 65th World Health Assembly adopted resolution WHA65.4 on ‘the global burden of mental disorders and the need for a comprehensive, coordinated response from health and social sectors at the country level’. 
The 2013 CHMM theme, ‘Mental Health: Towards Economic and Social Inclusion’, reflects mental health as a global socio-economic concern and incorporates the Commonwealth 2013 theme of ‘Opportunity through Enterprise’.

Meeting Objectives

The meeting will provide ministers and delegates with a Commonwealth perspective on mental health, focusing on priorities and the socio-economic aspects of mental health. Commonwealth countries will also have the opportunity to share best practices and experiences especially with regard to the stigma surrounding mental health, and the economic empowerment of people with mental health challenges.

Chair

The Chair of the meeting is the Hon Rev. Dr John G N Seakgosing, Minister of Health, Botswana.

Venue

The meeting will take place at the Starling Geneva Hotel and Conference Centre, Geneva, Switzerland.

• CHMM 2013 Aide Memoire on Administrative Arrangements
• Delegation Form 
• Administrative arrangements for Commonwealth Organisations and Observers

• Observer Registration Form

• Hotel Room Reservation Form