The project is designed to help them better recognize signs of mental illness among school students. Such cases have been increasing in recent years.

America-based Eli Lilly Company, the global pharmaceutical leader in the neuro-science field, is the ministry's co-operator on the project.

Yin Dakui, vice-minister of the ministry, praised the teachers and doctors for their desire to learn more and, therefore, help young adults, saying they are "relieving social problems."

"Since the school teachers and doctors have a direct and profound impact on the mental health of students, they need to have a good understanding of how to treat mental illness," Yin said.

According to Yin, out of 230 million students, 12.97 percent have mental problems. College students who have experienced long-term anxiety, fear or depression are the most common cases.

"The situation is pressing, so we should increase our efforts to help students and offer them a brighter future," Yin said.

Christopher James Shaw, president of Lilly China, who was present at Thursday's inauguration ceremony of the training course, said that his company will try its best to help today's youth.

"Lilly China is proud to cooperate with the Ministry of Health in the education of people on the importance of identifying mental illnesses," Shaw said.

Every year over the next four years, short-term training courses will be available nationwide to middle and primary school teachers and doctors.

The project also will provide training opportunities for pediatricians and parents who want more of an insight into mental health.

(China Daily October 26, 2001)