Global conference calls for early action to tackle mental health stigma

11th TAS conference is being organized by The George Institute for Global Health with the Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS New Delhi, and UNICEF India, and supported by WPA and WASP.

The Together Against Stigma (TAS) Conference opened on 12^th November at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, marking the start of a three-day event from 12-14 November 2026. Bringing together experts, policymakers, people with lived experience and advocates from across the world discussing practical actions to reduce mental health stigma and improve access to care.

Discussions on Day 1 underscored five key priorities for sustained action to reduce mental health stigma:

• Adapting interventions to local cultures, traditions and community needs;
• Ensuring long-term commitment guided by the experiences of persons with mental health conditions and their caregivers;
• Actively involving people with lived experience in advocacy, education and policymaking;
• Strengthening early intervention and prevention through schools and early childhood settings;
• Recognising the role of families and communities in fostering supportive environments for children and adolescents.

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The discussions so far have highlighted an important point: instead of focusing only on the gaps in mental health care and policies, we need to focus on the positive steps that can bring change. As Professor Sartorius and Professor Thornicroft highlighted, our priority should be to use existing evidence, promote social contact and turn these discussions into real actions that make a difference beyond this conference.

By:

Prof. Pallab Maulik

Director of Research, The George Institute for Global Health India

The conference also featured the release of ‘Youth Voices on Mental Health: Insights from Consultations with Adolescents, Young People and Peer Educators’, a booklet highlighting the importance of trust, confidentiality and youth-friendly services in encouraging young people to seek mental health support.

As the conference continues over the next two days, these conversations reinforce the importance of collective, inclusive and sustained action towards building a more supportive and inclusive world, free from mental health stigma.

Photo caption:
Left to Right: Dr Sudha Kallakuri, Prof. Rajesh Sagar, Mr. Jesper Moller, Dr Y K Sandhya, Prof. Nicolas Rüsch, Dr Srinivas, Ms. Jyothi Ravichandran, Prof. Sir Graham Thornicroft, Prof. Norman Sartorius, Prof. R Chaddha, Prof. Pallab Maulik and Prof. Pratap Sharan at the opening of the 11th Together Against Stigma (TAS) Conference in New Delhi on 12 November 2026.