Mental care: Pakistani takes over psychiatry body

LAHORE: Dr Afzal Javed from Pakistan was elected the new president of the World Association for Psychosocial Rehabilitation (WAPR) at the body’s international congress in Milan, according to a press release. Dr Javed is the first Pakistani to head the organisation, which was set up in 1986. The WAPR has branches in more than 60 countries and its members include mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers), researchers, administrators, policy makers, patients, consumers and their relatives, and advocacy associations. The WAPR aims to provide all stakeholders a forum for discussion of the relevant issues concerning the long-term care of people with mental disorders. It is recognised as a non-governmental organisation with consultative status with the World Health Organisation, the United Nations Economic and Social Council, and the International Labour Office. It also has links with the European Commission and the African Rehabilitation Institute.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2012.