September 22, 2024 | 2:00-4:00 PM ET | Columbia University Medical Center, New York

Over 2.1 billion children worldwide are affected by non-communicable diseases (NCDs), creating complex connections between physical and mental health that demand urgent, integrated attention. This challenge is particularly acute in humanitarian and resource-constrained settings, where children and families face compounded vulnerabilities.

On September 22, the MHPSS Collaborative and the CPC Learning Network in collaboration with Columbia-WHO Center for Global Mental Health, and The Global and Population Mental Health Program. invite you to a groundbreaking event launching a new global compendium that explores the deep connections between NCDs and mental health for children, youth, and families.

A timely launch

Taking place just before of the UN General Assembly’s Fourth High-level Meeting on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing,  this event highlights critical global efforts to better integrate care for children facing these interconnected challenges.

The newly launched compendium features diverse perspectives from practitioners, researchers, advocates, caregivers, and young people themselves, offering both evidence and stories needed to drive meaningful change in how we approach children’s health.

Three dynamic sessions

The event will feature three key sessions designed to move the conversation from awareness to action:

Advocate’s panel: From lived realities to policy action explores how personal stories can drive strategic advocacy for integrated NCD and mental health care. Participants will hear directly from young people and advocates about the profound “whole life” impact of the NCD-mental health divide while learning about tactical approaches for placing this intersection on global and national agendas.

Compendium presentation and launch officially introduces the “Bridging the Divide” compendium, showcasing its rich diversity of contributors and perspectives. This multifaceted resource offers a comprehensive view of the challenges and solutions, designed as a practical tool to move from awareness to integrated action.

Funder’s panel: The funder’s perspective provides transparent dialogue between funders, policymakers, and implementers about strategic priorities, operational challenges, and pathways to greater investment in integrated care for children and youth.

We hope to see you in New York – but it’s also possible to join online.

Join us as we bridge the divide between NCDs and mental health care, working toward a future where children’s physical and mental wellbeing are addressed as interconnected elements of their overall health and development.