Internationalist, mental health specialist/advocate. Technical Officer on MNS @WHOWPRO . Views are my own.

Fiji
Earlybird registration for the IASP Asia Pacific Regional Forum will close on 15th August. This is your final opportunity to secure the discounted registration rate and join us in person in Fiji from 14–16 September 2026. bit.ly/4xochRO
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Jiang LONG 龍江 retweeted
WHO statement on autism-related issues The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that there is currently no conclusive scientific evidence confirming a possible link between autism and use of acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) during pregnancy. Globally, nearly 62 million people (1 in 127) have autism spectrum disorder, a diverse group of conditions related to development of the brain. Although awareness and diagnosis have improved in recent years, the exact causes of #autism have not been established, and it is understood there are multiple factors that can be involved. Extensive research has been undertaken over the past decade, including large-scale studies, looking into links between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism. At this time, no consistent association has been established. WHO recommends that all women continue to follow advice of their doctors or health workers, who can help assess individual circumstances and recommend necessary medicines. Any medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, especially in the first three months, and in line with advice from health professionals. Also, a robust, extensive evidence base exists showing childhood vaccines do not cause autism. Large, high-quality  studies from many countries have all reached the same conclusion. Original studies suggesting a link were flawed and have been discredited.  Since 1999, independent experts advising WHO have repeatedly confirmed that vaccines - including those with thiomersal or aluminum - do not cause autism or other developmental disorders. Childhood vaccine schedules are developed through a careful, extensive and evidence-based process involving global experts and country input. The childhood immunization schedule, carefully guided by WHO, has been adopted by all countries, and has saved at least 154 million lives over the past 50 years. The schedule remains essential for the health and wellbeing of every child and every community. These schedules have continually evolved with science and now safeguard children, adolescents and adults against 30 infectious diseases. Every vaccine recommendation by the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE), an independent advisory group to WHO, is grounded in rigorous review of evidence and carefully designed to offer the best protection against serious diseases and to be delivered when most needed. When immunization schedules are delayed or disrupted, or altered without evidence review, there is a sharp increase in the risk of infection not only for the child, but also for the wider community. Infants too young to be vaccinated and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions are at greatest risk. Autism and neurodevelopmental disorders are among priority mental health and neurological conditions being discussed at the 4th UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and mental health this Thursday, 25 September. As a global community, we need to do more to understand the causes of autism and how best to care for and support the needs of autistic people and their families. WHO is committed to advancing this goal working together with partners including autistic-led organizations and other organizations representing persons with lived experience. WHO also stands with people who are living with autism and their families, a dignified community entitled to evidence-based considerations free of stigma. Full statement: bit.ly/47YsgwI
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Grateful for the opportunity to support the review of Fiji’s Mental Health Act. Truly inspired by the vision of medical professionals for a more human-centered and rights-based approach to mental health legislation.🏝️🩷🌺
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Honored to contribute to a global collaborative research effort on evidence mapping of policies and practices in Opioid Agonist Treatment. It's been a meaningful journey since we began—thrilled to see the work finally published! journals.lww.com/journaladdi…
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How time flies! I have rejoined the WHO for half a year. It has been such a fulfilling experience of working in/for the Pacific. Grateful. ❤️
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Join WHO’s Special Initiative for Mental Health for a webinar with the Hon. Ms Julia Gillard, AC, Chair of Wellcome Trust and former Prime Minister of Australia. Register here: who.zoom.us/webinar/register…
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Together with #Pacific ministries, partners and the generosity of the Governments of Japan @JapanGov and the Republic of Korea, @WHO is supporting actions to end suffering and pain due to neglected tropical diseases like lymphatic filariasis. Whilst you’re here… Did you know that anyone can now contribute towards WHO’s action to protect health? Your donation can mobilize support for: 🔸 Delivering treatment 🔸 Stopping diseases from spreading 🔸 Disability programmes Donate to the @WHOFoundation today: donate.who.foundation/ #BeatNTDs
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Our review on MH-PSE finally got published: Scaling up and dissemination of pre-service education in MNS disorders: the way moving forward. It is largely based on the WHO Meeting (2024, Shanghai) outcomes. Many thanks to the Shanghai WHOcc for supporting. degruyter.com/document/doi/1…
In collaboration with WHO HQs, our WHOcc organized the workshop on pre-service education in mental, brain and behavioural health. Ain't easy as the coordinator, but I am sooo glad to see the great outcomes. Worthy!
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Wonderful experience at mhGAP training at St. Giles Psychiatric Hospital, Suva Fiji. Great Fijian team for the training with the critical WHO instrument for mental health.👏👏👏
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Check out our work at Yale: stigma on MMT services quality in primary care centers in Ukraine sciencedirect.com/science/ar…
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Go! Fiji!🫶
💵FJ$ 319 million (US$ 143 million)❗️ That’s the annual cost of tobacco-related illnesses to Fiji’s economy, according to a new report by @MoHFiji, @FCTCOfficial, @UNDPPacific and @WHO. ➡️ bit.ly/4gHxr59 #TobaccoExposed
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Timely guidance from WHO on CAMH.👏
Globally, 1 in 7 adolescents experience #MentalHealth conditions; and suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 29 years. @WHO/@UNICEF guidance shows how every country can take action to improve access and quality of care for mental health services for children and young people: bit.ly/3OqRys6 I believe that this guide can inspire change.
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Thanks for supporting the @ISAMAddiction @isamnext event by sharing your wisdom. @atulambekar
Great experience being a part of this webinar by @ISAMAddiction , @isamnext . Thanks @Jiang_Long, @Dr_Preethy_K. The chairperson, @narasimha_gvl summarises key take-home messages here:
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Jiang LONG 龍江 retweeted
Vacancy at WHO for Technical Officer (Substance Use Disorders); Click here for further details: careers.who.int/careersectio…
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Great opportunity to join WHO, working on substance use disorders. 🇺🇳 Career portal: careers.who.int/careersectio…
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Super cool activity on Climate Change in Suva. Really enjoyed.
#United in #ClimateAction Today, the @EUPasifika and the @UNinFiji are walking together, standing in solidarity with the Pacific's powerful commitment to climate action. No region in the world is more affected by climate-induced disasters and rising sea levels than the #Pacific. Despite contributing only 0.02% to global greenhouse gas emissions, the Pacific faces some of the most severe impacts of climate change. Together, we are taking strides to build resilience, amplify Pacific voices, and push for a sustainable future for all. #PacificResilience #ClimateJustice #UnitedNations #EuropeanUnion #ClimateFinance @EUClimateAction @UN
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Come and Join!😏
Hello #Addiction researchers 🔸Join us for @isamnext 📢 "Addiction: Research Reflections" to hear researchers present their work & personal journeys 🔸Engage in discussions, gain insights, & learn to navigate challenges Register 👉: tiny.cc/webref01 RT for wide reach
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Jiang LONG 龍江 retweeted
⏳️ABSTRACT SUBMISSION NOW OPEN FOR ISAM 2025 CONGRESS TILL NOVEMBER 15, 2024 ⏳️ Don’t miss the opportunity to present at this global event! 🌐 isam-hamburg.com 📧 info@isam-hamburg.com
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Memorable discussion at Oxford.
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Happy Mental Health Day! 🫂🌻❤️ It is indeed the best day to visit @rcpsych . Looking forward to a constructive discussion on Mental healthcare!
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