Context:

The National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) was recently awarded the Nelson Mandela Award 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO).

More on the news

• The NIMHANS director received the award at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland.
  The World Health Assembly is the decision-making body of WHO.
• The WHO recognizes NIMHANS' achievements in research, education, and patient care, highlighting its role in catering to diverse populations and integrating mental health services into primary healthcare systems.

About The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion

• This award was established in 2019 upon the initiative of the Ministers of Health of the Member States of the African Region.
• It recognizes individuals, institutions, and governmental or non-governmental organisations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion.
• It is presented by the President of the World Health Assembly at a special ceremony during a plenary of the World Health Assembly, together with the Director-General of the WHO and normally a representative of the Nelson Mandela Foundation.

Procedure for the proposal and selection of candidates for the Award

• Any national health administration of a Member State of the WHO, or any former recipient of the award, may put forward the name of a candidate for the Award. 
• Proposals are submitted to the Director-General of the World Health Organization, who submits them to the Award Selection Panel.
• The Award Selection Panel, in a private meeting, proposes the name(s) of the recipient(s) of the award to the Executive Board. The proposal is considered by the Executive Board, which designates the recipient(s) of the Award.
• The Award cannot be given to current or former staff members of the WHO or current members of the Executive Board.

About National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) 

• It is an Institute of National Importance governed by the act of Parliament titled NIMHANS Act, 2012
• It is a multidisciplinary institute for patient care and academic pursuit in the field of mental health and neurosciences.
• In 1974, the All-India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH) and Mental Hospital were amalgamated, giving birth to the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). 
• The Central Government declared it a ‘Deemed University’ in 1994. In 2012, NIMHANS was conferred the status of an ‘Institute of National Importance’.
• This year Institute is celebrating 50 years of its formation and the 70th anniversary of its precursor, the All-India Institute of Mental Health (AIIMH)

India’s Effort in the field of mental health

• • Mental Health Units are supported in almost all districts of the country today through the National Health Mission.  
• • India's national tele mental health helpline, Tele MANAS (launched on 10th Oct 2022) also recently achieved the landmark of handling 10 lakh calls.