Dr Saxena is a psychiatrist by training, working at World Health Organization since 1998. His responsibilities include evaluating evidence on effective public health measures and providing advice and technical assistance to ministries of health on prevention and management of mental, developmental, neurological and substance use disorders and suicide prevention. His work also involves establishing partnerships with academic centres and civil society organizations and global advocacy for mental health and substance use issues. Dr Saxena is leading WHO’s work to implement the Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan adopted by the World Health Assembly in May 2013 and scaling up care for priority mental, neurological and substance use disorders.