President Zardari calls for action to end mental health stigma

President Asif Ali Zardari has called for stronger mental health services, affordable treatment and an end to stigma and discrimination against people living with mental health conditions. In his message on World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, the president stressed the need to listen to people with lived experience of mental health challenges and ensure their views shape policies, services and decisions affecting their lives. This year's theme, 'Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,' highlights the importance of giving people experiencing mental health challenges a meaningful voice in efforts to improve care and support. President Zardari said mental health was an essential part of overall health, human dignity and national development. He emphasised the need to build a society where people could seek support without fear of stigma or discrimination and access quality, affordable services. He appreciated the efforts of healthcare professionals, civil society organisations, development partners, communities and families to strengthen mental health services and integrate them into primary healthcare and broader social development initiatives. The president called for particular attention to children and young people, women, persons with disabilities, vulnerable communities and people affected by emergencies and other difficult circumstances. Urging all stakeholders to move beyond awareness towards practical action, he stressed the need to expand community-based mental health services, tackle discrimination and make mental healthcare an integral part of universal health coverage. President Zardari said collective efforts were needed to ensure that every person in Pakistan was heard, valued and treated with dignity, with mental health recognised as a fundamental part of public health and well-being.