title: Resuscitating the National Mental Health Policy in the Maldives.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This article summarises the experiences and challenges in resuscitating the National Mental Health Policy in the Maldives, a developing island nation in the Indian Ocean.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The most significant challenge included stigma and poor awareness around mental health at all levels, compounded by the lack of established mental health advocacy groups. The broad scope of mental health in the policy without accompanying detailed plans and lack of local research may have also been barriers. The background of political instability and its consequences on the health sector have also been significant barriers to political endorsement. Persevering with advocating for mental health and improving awareness will be crucial to ensure that resuscitation attempts are successful.
authors.affiliation: Consultant Psychiatrist, Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Malé, Maldives arifmohamed@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Arif
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mohamed
mesh_terms: D003254:Consumer Advocacy; D003906:Developing Countries; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D007195:Indian Ocean Islands; D008603:Mental Health; D011057:Politics; D057545:Social Stigma
keywords: Maldives; Mental health policy; developing countries; mental health advocacy