Mental Health, Violence and Injury Prevention

Violence and injuries are among the leading cause of mortality in the world. They are among the most significant public health problems in the world affecting particularly young men, in many cases resulting in life-long physical disabilities as well as psychological effects. Violence and injury prevention is on the public health agenda and countries with increasing violence struggle to implement strategies to prevent violence and address its impact on health and development. Violence is a social and health problem that threatens the development of communities and nations, undermines the quality of life, and erodes the social fabric. On the U.S. Mexico Border violence and injuries are of major concern. PAHO's work in violence and injury prevention including gender violence, intentional and unintentional injuries in Ciudad Juarez and other U.S. Mexico Border communities will be presented: (a) the Juarez Observatory for Security and Citizen Conviviality improving information systems, expanding the use of geographic information systems and supporting epidemiologic analysis; (b) municipal government implement plans or programs to build institutional and community capacity; (c) strengthening the health sector response, incorporating mental health in primary care for the victims of violence; (d) strengthening research and building evidence based public policy, and (e) documenting and sharing results and experiences.