Recent news • WPA

Prof. Afzal Javed, Past WPA President (2020-2023)

WPA News

Jun 27, 2025

WPA Congratulates Professor Afzal Javed

By Prof, Danuta Wasserman, WPA President

Prof Afzal Javed, past president of World Psychiatric Association (2020-23), has been included in His Majesty King’s Honours List released by the palace on King’s…

WPA News

Jun 27, 2025

Global Alliance for Brain Health:

First-Ever International Meeting in Bern

By Prof. Claudio L.A. Bassetti for the Boards of the Swiss Brain Health Plan and Swiss Brain Health Foundation

The Brain: A Pillar of Human Health and Potential The brain is essential for our physical, mental, social health and well-being, enabling us to realise…

About the Webinar The webinar will introduce the WHO guide and explore its practical application in medical and nursing education worldwide. With the increasing global burden of mental health conditions, neurological disorders, and substance use issues, the integration of comprehensive MNS training in health curricula is more critical than ever. A distinguished panel of speakers will share insights and reflections on the development and implementation of the guide.

WPA News

Jun 10, 2025

Upcoming WHO Webinar:

Launch of the Guide on Educating Medical and Nursing Students in Mental, Neurological and Substance Use Care

By WPA

The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) is pleased to share with its global community an important upcoming event hosted by the World Health Organization (WHO): the…

WPA President, Professor Danuta Wasserman, posts a statement that will be presented during the WHO 78th World Health Assembly, Geneva, Switzerland (19-27 May 2025) Image credit: The World Health Organization

WPA News

May 21, 2025

A Unified Call for Global Brain Health:

Highlights from WHA78 in Geneva

By WPA

The Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA78) is currently underway in Geneva, bringing together health leaders, policymakers, and advocates from across the globe to address the…

$The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) and the World Association on Dual Disorders (WADD) have come together to launch two prestigious awards in honour of the late Professor Pedro Ruiz, a pioneer in the field of psychiatry. As part of the \"Agreement of the Americas,\" these awards recognise professionals who have made significant contributions to psychiatry, particularly in the area of dual disorders.$

WPA News

Apr 12, 2025

WPA & WADD Joint Recognition Awards: Call for Submissions

Recognising Excellence in Psychiatry – The World Psychiatric Association and the World Association on Dual Disorders invite submissions for the prestigious Prof. Pedro Ruiz Recognition Awards.

By Prof. Danuta Wasserman, WPA President & Carolina de Sebastián, Secretariat, World Association on Dual Disorders

“Dual disorders” is the term used in the mental health field to refer to those patients who suffer from an addictive disorder and other mental…

The World Psychiatric Association (WPA) has launched its eagerly awaited and hugely popular annual Medical Student Essay Competition, a WPA Presidential initiative supported by the United Nations Secretariat – Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Division for Sustainable Development Goals. This competition provides medical students worldwide with a platform to share their insights and innovative solutions on key mental health challenges.

WPA News

Feb 17, 2025

WPA Launches 2025 Medical Student Essay Competition: Reducing Inequalities and Promoting Inclusion to Improve Mental Health

World Psychiatric Association announces a Travel Award to attend the 25th WPA World Congress of Psychiatry in Prague, Czech Republic for the winner of its 2025 Medical Student Essay Competition

By WPA

This year’s competition focuses on the crucial theme of “Reducing Inequalities and Promoting Inclusion to Improve Mental Health.” Participants are invited to submit essays of…