Timothy G. Evans, Sector Director, Human Development Network Health
Joana Godinho, Sector Manager, Latin America Caribbean Health Sector
One suicide takes place somewhere in the world roughly every 40 seconds amounting over 1 million cases per year (WHO). Moreover, in 2010 major depression and anxiety disorders, drug and alcohol use disorders, bipolar disorders, Schizophrenia, and Dysthymia are among the first 20 conditions of disability. A progressive realization of the right to health requires re-thinking of existing health service delivery models; this is critical for achieving Universal Health Coverage.
Little attention has been given to find cost-effective ways of dealing with mental health in the developing world. It is not difficult to imagine the impact on labor productivity, forgone income and overall well-being. Are there alternatives to more psychiatric hospitals, inpatient days and expensive treatments only a few can afford? Can the use of evidence-based technology tools help to improve service delivery?
To answer some of these questions join us for an interesting talk by Drs. Lisa Marsch and Robert Drake on building cost-effective, patient-centered delivery systems and using technology tools to change patient’s behavior.