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Disharmony in 'The Harmony Society’— Mental Health Development in China

Consider the following staggering statistics: 16 million people with psychoses, 32.5 million people suffering depression; 2.5-5 million people attempt suicide annually; 6 million people with dementia.

 

Professor Yu Xin, Executive Director of Peking University's Institute of Mental Health and President of the Chinese Psychiatric Association leads the program of national mental health reform in China. He is responsible for addressing the stark mental health needs of the country.

 

Professor Yu spoke to a public audience last week at the Carrillo Gantner Theatre, Sidney Myer Asia Centre, University of Melbourne on the mental health system in China and the ongoing national reforms that he leads.


Professor Yu outlined the massive journey of reform his country is undertaking to enable people with mental illness in China to be treated within their own homes and communities. The immensely successful 686 Project, in which AAMH is a principal partner, will enable community mental health services in China to reach 200 million people in 2009.

 

Professor Yu’s visit was part of the ongoing relationship between Asia-Australia Mental Health, the MInistry of Health PRC and Peking University's National Institute for Mental Health. For more information, see our China page. 

 

Further Information:

Read The Age's article about Prof. Yu

Listen to Prof. Yu's interview on Radio Australia

Download an audiorecording of Prof. Yu's inspiring lecture

 

 Prof. Yu Xin presenting at Melbourne University, February 17, 2009

Prof. Yu Xin, Executive Director, Peking University Institute of Mental Health giving a public lecture at the University of Melbourne on February 17, 2009