The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Gulf countries, in cooperation with the World Health Organization and the Supreme Council for Motherhood & Childhood, organized a mental health forum, via video communication.

The forum was organized in conjunction with the celebration of the World Mental Health Day, which falls on October 10 of each year, to raise awareness of the importance of mental health among international and local bodies and institutions.

The General Secretary of the Council Rym bint Abdullah Al Falasy, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country, Dr. Dina Assaf, the Regional Adviser for Mental Health in the Regional Office of the World Health Organization, Dr. Khaled Saeed, the representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Gulf countries, Al-Tayyib Adam, participated in the forum sessions Child protection at the UNICEF office in the Gulf States, Saji Thomas, and a number of experts and specialists.

Al Falasy praised the efforts of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, President of the General Women’s Union, Chair of the Supreme Council for Motherhood and Childhood, and Supreme Chairperson of the Family Development Foundation, and her continuous support and encouragement for all initiatives that seek to promote the interests of mothers and children around the world.

She said that the issue of mental health is of great importance at the local and global levels, and H.H (Mother of the Nation) paid great attention, especially as it affects all segments of society, from women and men to children, stressing the need to focus on the challenges facing children.

Al Falasy added that “Fatima Bint Mubarak Forum for Motherhood & Childhood 2021” is an important initiative, especially since we are now facing new and unprecedented challenges around the world due to the (Covid-19) pandemic that affected the health of millions who suffer from the same disease, and who must deal with its impact. On their loved ones, especially those whose fathers have lost their jobs and sources of income, in addition to their anxiety about their survival, their ability to care for their families, and children who are no longer able to meet their friends.

She indicated that all of these and others face new threats to their mental and psychological health, and it is the duty of institutions to deal with them in order to reach the desired goals.

It is noteworthy that during 2016 the Council organized the first session of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Forum for Motherhood and Childhood, in the presence of the Queen of Sweden, Queen Silvia, and 300 representatives of federal and local government agencies, policy-makers, specialists, civil society institutions and United Nations agencies, in celebration of the International Children’s Day and the UAE Innovation Week.

On this occasion, Rym Al Falasy announced the holding of the second session of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Forum for Motherhood & Childhood 2021 in Abu Dhabi, at a date that will be determined later with its details on the subject of the mental health of the mother and the child.