Novartis Foundation symposium discusses psychosocial support to help vulnerable children achieve mental health and wellbeing for a better future in sub-Saharan Africa

Symposium speakers assess psychosocial approaches and discuss various interventions to ensure mental health and wellbeing for Africa's children Experts present findings from REPSSI, the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative co-founded and supported by the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development, and other psychosocial support interventions for vulnerable children and orphans in sub-Saharan Africa Study results have shown that while in developed countries about 10% of children suffer from depression, in developing countries prevalence could be three times as high due to the HIV/AIDS pandemic, poverty and conflict The annual symposium of the Novartis Foundation has provided an important platform for dialogue on development policy issues for over 15 years Basel, December 4, 2012 - Today, experts gather in Basel, Switzerland to discuss "A generation at risk: psychosocial support for Africa's children" at the 2012 symposium of the Novartis Foundation for Sustainable Development (NFSD). The symposium provides healthcare experts the opportunity to assess psychosocial approaches and discuss various interventions that strive to ensure mental health and wellbeing for children in Africa. UNAIDS estimates that worldwide more than 16.6 million children have been orphaned by HIV and AIDS; 89% of these children live in sub-Saharan Africa. These children often face material hardship, socio-economic disadvantage, social stigma, emotional isolation and psychological trauma, putting an entire generation at risk.