Psychiatrist by training; about 4 decades of experience in research and programme management, service delivery and information systems in the areas of mental health and neurological disorders, especially in low- and middle-income countries. One of the writers of the World Health Report 2001 on mental health. Editor and author, Lancet Series on Global Mental Health 2007 and 2011. Was responsible for implementation of WHO's Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020. One of the lead editor of Lancet Commission on Global Mental Health and Sustainable Development.