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By Christopher Lidom
KUCHING, Aug 7: Mental disorders remain shrouded in stigma, especially in Sarawak, says Dato Wee Hong Seng.
Wee, who is the advisor for the Mental Health Association of Sarawak (MHAS), said as such, the organisation of the 15th International Conference on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (ICCAP) in Kuching serves as a beacon, lighting up the path towards greater mental health awareness among youth and advocating for evidence-based interventions.
“The silver lining is the emergence of several prevention and intervention programmes tailored for diverse mental disorders. The synergy between practitioners and scientists is pivotal in fostering the psychological well-being of our future generations.
“These insights significantly shape the initiatives undertaken by the Sarawak government, particularly the Ministry for Public Health, Housing. and Local Government,” said Wee, who represented Deputy Premier Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian to officiate at the launching ceremony of the 15th ICCAP today.
Wee, who is also Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor, pointed out that everyone must engage in collective efforts to understand and address the mental health of children and adolescents.
He said the insights shared and knowledge gained during this conference shall serve as essential stepping stones towards a brighter, healthier tomorrow for the youth.
“However, collaboration is the key. Let us form strong partnerships between researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and the community.
“Let us listen to the voices of our young ones, advocate for their needs, and actively work to dismantle the barriers they face, be it stigma or lack of access to care,” he added.
The 15th ICCAP is organised for the second time in Kuching, with 32 countries being represented.
There will be 14 keynote addresses, one experience-sharing lecture, 15 symposia, ten in-conference workshops, three minor workshops, two poster sessions, 15 open paper sessions, a pre-conference party, and a gala dinner. — DayakDaily
