Geneva-based, International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) has recently launched the ‘Do You Mind?’ campaign to focus attention on mental and neurological disorders (MNDs). The campaign leverages various profiles to help patients, physicians, employers, policymakers, and the general public understand the role each actor can play in collectively addressing MNDs.

The announcement was made during 66th World Health Assembly, where world’s health ministers were gathered to address the large physical and economic costs of these disorders.

During campaign, interaction with the physicians and policymakers and also the general public was used to highlight the impact of MNDs across society, reduce stigma, and dispel common myths.

“More than just a health issue, MNDs should be a societal priority involving decision makers from education, employment, science, government and other spheres,” said Eduardo Pisani, IFPMA Director General. “'Do You Mind?' brings these actors together by showing how everybody can act to collectively reduce suffering.”

The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 700 million cases of MNDs occur annually and that MNDs account for 30 per cent of the global non-communicable disease (NCD) burden. MNDs include schizophrenia, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and depression, which alone affects more than 350 million people. In addition to the personal toll, MNDs have a large socio-economic cost: 40 per cent of lost worker productivity in OECD countries is attributable to MNDs.

IFPMA represents the research-based pharmaceutical companies and associations across the globe.