NIMHANS honoured with WHO’s prestigious Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion commemorates individuals and institutions that excel in promoting health and well-being.

Published Feb 09, 2024 | 9:39 PMUpdated Feb 09, 2024 | 9:39 PM

NIMHANS Bengaluru. (Wikimedia Commons)

The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), located in Bengaluru, has been honoured with the esteemed Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the year 2024.

This recognition is awarded to entities that have made significant contributions to the field of health promotion, and NIMHANS has been acknowledged for its remarkable work in mental health and neurosciences.

NIMHANS awarded for health promotion

The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion was instituted by the WHO in 2019 to commemorate individuals, institutions, and organisations that excel in promoting health and well-being across communities. Named after the revered global icon for peace and equality, Nelson Mandela, the award embodies the values of dedication and service towards improving public health.

NIMHANS, with its comprehensive approach to mental health care, has been pioneering in integrating mental health services into the broader healthcare system, developing community-centric strategies, and innovating in digital health solutions.

The institute’s efforts in advancing mental health research, education, and patient care have set a benchmark in the field, not only within India but on a global scale.

This award comes at a significant time for NIMHANS, as the institute is celebrating 50 years since its establishment and 70 years of its predecessor, the All India Institute of Mental Health.

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Focus on mental health care

In a statement to the media, Dr Pratima Murthy, Director of NIMHANS, expressed deep pride in receiving this honour, stating that it is a recognition of the institute’s enduring legacy and its continued commitment to promoting mental health and well-being.

She said, “This award is not only a recognition of our past and present achievements but also a validation to the enduring legacy and vision that has guided NIMHANS since its inception. It reinforces our resolve to continue our mission of promoting mental health and well-being — making a tangible difference in the lives of those we serve.”

The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion highlights the essential role of mental health in the overall health landscape and recognises the contributions of institutions like NIMHANS in making mental health care accessible and effective for diverse populations.

This accolade not only celebrates the achievements of NIMHANS but also reinforces the importance of mental health in achieving global health and well-being goals.

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