To address the problem of increased prevalence of mental disorders, it is necessary to seek opportunities for change that will enable care that is efficient and of high quality. Mental health educational programs must include training on the problems of vulnerable groups, such as indigenous peoples and communities affected by natural disasters, or children and adolescents, as well as suicidal behavior, alcohol and/or substance abuse, and different forms of violence.  This requires the active participation of government mental health services departments (which deal with these problems) in mental health education programs, as a priority of their public health strategy. Training programs (both undergraduate and post graduate) should address the real mental health needs of the population. This calls for harmonization and integration of approaches, including transversal or cross-cutting gender, ethnicity and culture based approaches.  

ACTION PLAN

The WPA Education action plan should be a comprehensive and interdisciplinary program that combines research and education, self-learning and teamwork. It would develop regional training activities, particularly in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Eastern Europe, and adapt these training programs to local circumstances, working hand in hand with the presidents of the societies and institutions in these regions. 

Evaluation and measurement in mental health programs requires clear definitions of the programs objectives.  This will permit better evaluation of the programs and their impact.  We must emphasize the effectiveness and validation of educational programs (including curriculum and performance assessment), and adapt this approach to different countries and their realities. 

Geographic and linguistic diversity must also be addressed carefully in creating mechanisms for participation. Attention to local cultural frameworks must become a key element in defining future classification concepts. By definition, primary care settings represent the best opportunity to improve the identification and effective treatment of people with mental disorders.