WHO’s Together for Science movement finds strong support in Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI Advances in science have transformed the understanding of mental health and the way people living with mental health conditions are treated and cared for. On Tuesday (November 10), the World Health Organisation (WHO) launched “Together for Science and Health”, and on the occasion, experts in Chennai touched on various aspects of mental health, be it schizophrenia, dementia, or suicide prevention. “Together for Science and Health” is a new movement to strengthen the connection between science, health and society and build trust in evidence-informed decision-making, according to the WHO.

R. Thara, vice chairperson and chair, Research, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), a WHO Collaborating Centre, said this was a global movement convened by WHO to bring together scientists, policymakers, health professionals, communicators, civil society, young people and communities around a shared commitment to science as a foundation for better health. “Science is helping us understand the biological factors that contribute to mental illnesses such as schizophrenia,” Dr.

Thara said.