Impact Report 2025
 
​​​2024​ IMPACT REPORT
From Neuron to Neighbourhood​
 
Int​​ro​duction

Welcome to the Aga Khan University's Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) ​Impact Report. We highlight transformative efforts across East Africa and South and Central Asia that connect brain health research with community well-being. From early detection and training to policy change and innovation, BMI is building healthier futures.


 
"The human brain is the most complex thing we have yet discovered in our universe, and it's the thing that discovered everything else."
– James D. Watson, co-discoverer of DNA​
 
Message from the Director

We take bold steps toward reimagining brain and mental health across the Global South. Our focus remains on community-rooted science, evidence-based care, and systems change.

Read the full message →
 
Our impact in action
Research funding  
Publications  
People trained  
Individuals reached  
Active projects  
Prominent researchers  
 
 
Research & Innovation

At BMI, our research and innovation efforts focus on addressing brain and mental health challenges in low- and middle-income countries. By using culturally relevant, evidence-based approaches, we aim to improve mental well-being for individuals across diverse communities.

Spotlight on Research Projects:

Brain Resilience Kenya Study →

Exploring factors that impart resilience

Africa FINGERS Project →​

Preventing dementia onset across Africa

Strengthening dementia research →

Understanding attitudes and perceptions

 
Innovation in actionLiving Labs Initiative →

Focused on community-driven mental and brain health research, BMI is establishing long-term research hubs in Kenya and Pakistan to address mental and brain health conditions such as depression, substance use, ​and dementia in a holistic way.

mPareshan Project →

Utilizing mobile health technology, this project empowers community health workers in Pakistan to assess and treat mental health conditions, providing vital care in underserved regions.

Uzima-DS Research Hub →

Partnering with the University of Michigan, BMI is using data science and AI to predict mental health risks like depression and suicide among adolescents, youth, and healthcare workers in East Africa.

 
Reaching Communities, Cultivating Change

Mental Health Education & Training: Over 2,000 people trained through workshops on emotional resilience, mindfulness, and self-care

Mental Health First Response Micro-Certification: 391 participants across 7 countries trained to recognise mental ill health and to provide empathetic support and guidance for access to care

Resilience Bootcamp: 400+ professionals received a practical program on how to manage stress and to build resilience

Advancing Neuropsychopharmacology →

21 early-career African researchers trained in stress, trauma, and substance use science

Harvard-AKU Postdoctoral Fellowship →

4 post-doctoral fellows being trained at Global Mental Health @ Harvard to build academic research capacity in Kenya and Pakistan

 
Global Engagements: Power of collaboration

For shaping the discourse on brain and mental health in the Global South, BMI's Founding Director, Prof. Merali joined

  • World Dementia Council
  • Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative's Brain House at the world Economic Forum
  • UN Science Summit
  • Vatican Symposium on Global Aging

In collaboration with Nature Portfolio and Davos Alzheimer's Collaborative, BMI co-hosted the first ever Nature Conference in Africa "Future of Dementia in Africa" spotlighting innovation on the continent

Read more about the Nature conference →​
 
​​Collaborating across the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN)

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is dedicated to improving the quality of life of those in need, mainly in Asia and Africa, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. Their multifaceted development approach aims to help communities and individuals become self-reliant.

BMI is playing a pivotal role in developing an integrated mental health framework in partnership with AKDN agencies including Aga Khan Health Services–Pakistan, Aga Khan University Hospital, Aga Khan Medical Centre, AKU's Institute for Educational Development, the Aga Khan Foundation, and Aga Khan Education Services. This multi-agency effort brings together AKDN entities to address mental and brain health challenges through community-embedded, contextually grounded approaches.

 
m Pareshan

In northern Pakistan, BMI is building integrated research ecosystems with AKHS and AKF that assess brain, physical, and social health using contextualised tools. The mPareshan initiative further strengthens this model by​ equipping community health workers to identify and manage depression and anxiety in underserved communities.

mPareshan_table
Watch video to learn more
 
Community Co-designAdvancing Mental Health for Youth in Kenya →

BMI and Shamiri Institute are co-developing evidence-based, community-driven mental health solutions fo​r young people.

Building Resilience Through Sports and Play →

BMI supports Fútbol Más by analysing their community-based interventions to strengthen youth-led, sport-based mental health initiatives.

 
From Evidenc​e to ActionTobacco Reform Policy →
  • BMI-led research informing new-generation tobacco product regulation in Kenya
  • Multi-stakeholder collaboration with MoH, NACADA, and NTA

Landmark Decision to Decriminalize Suicide →
  • BMI leadership (Profs Lukoye Atwoli and Zul Merali) central to advocacy towards the decriminalisation of suicide in Kenya.

Digital community based approach (mPareshan) →
  • Featured in a WHO evidence brief on health systems for displaced and migrant populations, highlighting digital health solutions for inclusive care.
  • Participated in the Sindh Mental Health Policy launch, positioning AKU as a key stakeholder in policy discussions.
 
Imagining a Healthier Tomorrow

BMI is laying the groundwork for a Brain Health Research Centre that will pioneer early detection tools, biomarker diagnostics, and culturally responsive care to transform brain health outcomes across Africa.

Over the next five years, BMI intends to co-develop an Afro-Asian Suicide Prevention Research Strategy with four interconnected hubs to​​ drive innovation in suicide prevention, spanning biomarker discovery, interdisciplinary collaboration, real-time data integration, and policy translation. These efforts will build local capacity, develop context-specific interventions, and turn research into action through open science and community partnership.

More about our work →
 
With gratitude

Collaborating with leading organizations worldwide

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Universities: Harvard Medical School, Michigan University, Dartmouth University, University of Cape Town, Moi University, McGill University, The University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Newcastle University, Stellenbosch University, Georgetown University​​​​​​​​​​

Government Organizations: Ministries of Health, Kenya & Pakistan, Kilifi County, Gilgit Baltistan, Sindh​​​​​​​​​​

National and Community NGOs: Shamiri Institute, Befrienders Kenya, Futbol Mas, Nivishe Foundation, Taskeen, Chezacheza​​​​​​​​​​

Foundation and NGOs: Waverly House, Medtronic LABS, African Dementia Consortium, Alzheimer’s Disease International, Worldwide FINGERS, Global Dementia Prevention Program​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
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Conclusion

As we reflect on our work, we take pride in the connections we have fostered across disciplines, communities, and continents to drive innovation and solutions in brain and mental health. From groundbreaking research to transformative education and community engagement, BMI has demonstrated the power of integ​rating science, compassion, and collaboration to address one of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

Our mission remains clear. We will continue to build capacity, empower communities, and expand partnerships that turn research into real-world impact. By bridging the gap between neurons and neighbourhoods, we aim to create sustainable, inclusive, and scalable solutions that improve lives not only today but for generations to come.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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