KARACHI, Oct 6: The World Mental Health Day 2002 campaign this year will focus on the effects of trauma and violence on children and adolescents.

The World Mental Health Day is being observed around the globe on Oct 10, 2002. However, owing to the general elections being held in the country on Oct 10, a Mental Health Week would be organized here between Oct 27 and Nov 3, 2002.

The Pakistan Association of Mental Health will organize events to help educate the public on the effects of trauma and violence on children and adolescents. A mental health camp would also be organized on Sunday, Nov 3.

A workshop on the theme is scheduled on Wednesday Oct 30 for teachers, parents, opinion makers, psychiatrists, psychologists, paediatricians and others. The objective of the workshop is to share opinion and formulate recommendations specific to the local culture.

The UNICEF in its report, the State of the World’s Children 2001, states that 2m children were killed, 6m were seriously injured or permanently disabled, and 12m were left homeless.

The WHO states that 40m children, under the age of 15, are subject to abuse and neglect every year. The PAMH, recognizing the need to draw attention to the plight of children, is organizing the week.