Various mental illnesses will become prominent public health problems in China in the coming century, since mental illnesses will sit at the top of the predicted overall burden to the Chinese society caused by illness in 2010, says a just-released report from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Yin Dakui, vice minister of Health, said in Beijing Tuesday that health care professionals should take steps to help their patients avoid unhealthy behaviors and activities.

Tuesday is the ninth World Mental Health Day. The World

Federation of Public Health Associations (WFPHA) has designated

October 10 as the day to promote mental health awareness globally. This year marks the first time China has held nationwide activities in recognition of the day.

Yin also noted that according to the Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) -- the world's standard for evaluating overall burden caused by health disabilities, mental illness ranks high on China's list.

He noted that mental illness not only affects patients' quality

of life and their families, but also has a negative impact on the society.

He called for doctors and mental health departments to work

diligently to prevent and cure mental illnesses.

Ten cities in China today held kite-flying activities to help mentally ill patients return to the society. Doctors in Beijing

Anding Hospital, Huilongguan Hospital and the Sixth Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University will provide free medical treatment for mentally disabled people.

The theme of this year's activities is "A Healthy Body Plus a Healthy Mind Equals A Beautiful Life."

(Xinhua 10/10/2000)