WONCA Announces MDD Minds Closing Event

Advancing Mental Health: WONCA Announces MDD Minds Closing Event

Brussels, 10 January 2025 – WONCA, the World Organization of Family Doctors, is hosting the MDD Minds Closing Event on Monday, March 24, 2025, at Mundo Madou, Brussels, Belgium. This event brings together leaders and change-makers to reflect on the achievements of the MDD Minds project and explore the next steps for advancing mental health care through primary care systems worldwide.

The MDD Minds project, focused on addressing major depressive disorder (MDD), was born out of a simple yet powerful idea: mental health must be an integral part of primary care. Over the course of the project, we have equipped primary care professionals with tools, training, and resources to address major depressive disorders more effectively, enabling them to make a real difference in their communities.

Depression is a global issue, as it is now the leading cause of disability worldwide. Unfortunately, between 50% and 90% of people suffering from depression are not diagnosed or treated properly. The integration of mental health care into primary care, particularly within the field of family medicine, is a priority for international agencies.

The aim of the MDD Minds project was to strengthen physicians’ competencies and confidence in managing mental health problems while enabling shared decision-making for treating major depressive disorders. This project was led by WONCA's Working Party on Mental Health, and implemented in collaboration with Mosaica Solutions. This project was funded by an unrestricted grant from Pfizer.

A Platform for Collaboration and Action

The event will be a space for dialogue, reflection, and inspiration. Attendees will hear from key stakeholders and experts as they share lessons learned, celebrate regional success stories, and discuss the long-term implications of the project. As well as looking back on what we’ve accomplished—we want to help in shaping what comes next.

What to expect:

• Presentation of the Final Report: Attendees will be presented with comprehensive findings of the MDD Minds project.
• Launch of Website: Following the conclusion of the project, the project materials including an online course, training toolkits, and frameworks will be published online for global use.
• Kickoff of World Family Doctor Day 2025 campaign: Building on the success of the MDD Minds Project, WONCA will focus this year’s World Family Doctor Day, celebrated on May 19, on the theme of mental wellness.
• Regional Success Stories: Insights from Africa, Asia, and Latin America on how the MDD Minds project has impacted local healthcare systems.
• Panel Discussions: Exploring practical solutions to sustain and scale mental health integration in primary care, and the role of policy in driving change.

Mental Health in Primary Care: A Call to Action

Primary care is uniquely suited to promoting mental wellness due to its emphasis on continuity of care, fostering long-term relationships that build trust and support. With its patient-centered approach, primary care addresses individual needs holistically, integrating preventive measures and lifestyle medicine to identify and manage mental health challenges early and effectively.

Mental health challenges are universal, but solutions must be tailored to communities. The MDD Minds project demonstrates the power of collaborative action, innovation, and a shared vision. This event invites leaders, policymakers, and advocates to build on that foundation, turning ideas into sustainable change.

Event Details

• Date: Monday, March 24, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CET (8:00 AM – 3:00 PM UTC)
• Location: WONCA Secretariat, Mundo Madou, Avenue des Arts, 7/8, Brussels, Belgium.
• Virtual Attendance: The event will be live-streamed on WONCA's social media channels and on Zoom.

For more information, please contact: mddminds@wonca.com

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