| Message from the Director |
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| The past few months have been marked by important advances across the Brain and Mind Institute's research, education and engagement portfolio. From new findings highlighting the mental health challenges faced by healthcare workers in Kenya, to strengthening parenting and mental health first responder programmes in Pakistan, and training the next generation of African brain health researchers, our teams continue to build evidence and capacity where it is needed most. We have also expanded international collaborations, advanced innovative dementia research through Brain-START and Africa-FINGERS, and celebrated the achievements of colleagues whose leadership is shaping the future of mental health and neuroscience globally. |
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| | From Neuron to Neighbourhood exemplifies the Brain and Mind Institutes’ dedication to turning research into tangible impact for individuals, communities, and systems. Through this work, BMI communicates that mental and brain health are urgent public health priorities, advances context-relevant research and innovation, and places partnerships and collaboration at the core of its approach. By contributing to stronger mental health and neuroscience systems, BMI continues to strengthen its regional and global leadership in brain and mental health. |
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| Study Reveals Hidden Toll on Kenya’s Healthcare Workers |
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| Healthcare workers are the backbone of Kenya’s health system, yet many continue to face significant mental health challenges while delivering care. New findings from the UZIMA Data Science (UZIMA DS) Study, presented during a dissemination event hosted by the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) reveal that 43.1% of healthcare workers reported depressive symptoms. Conducted over 12 months across five hospitals in Nairobi, the study followed 514 healthcare workers, examining depressive symptoms, workplace experiences and the role of social and digital support systems in shaping mental health outcomes. |
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| Conclusion of Art of Parenting Training, Gilgit, April 2026 |
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| Art of Parenting Training Strengthens Parenting Skills in Gilgit |
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| BMI conducted a three-day Art of Parenting training in Gilgit from 25–27 April 2026, bringing together 35 participants from the Aga Khan Education Service, Aga Khan Health Service, and Aga Khan Health Board. Facilitated by Professor Rozina Karmaliani and Zara Nizar, co-authors of the Art of Parenting programme, the training explored child psychology, positive parenting practices, effective communication, and adolescent well-being through interactive sessions and practical discussions. The programme aimed to equip participants with knowledge and skills to foster healthier family relationships and support children's emotional development. |
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| African Early-Career Scientists Trained in Nairobi on Advanced Neuropsychopharmacology |
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| Strengthening the next generation of African scientists in brain and mental health research is critical to addressing the continent’s growing burden of neurological and psychiatric conditions. In response to this need, BMI hosted the third cohort of the Neuropsychopharmacology Training Programme for Early- and Mid-Career African Researchers, in collaboration with the African College of Neuropsychopharmacology and the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, from June 7–12, 2026, in Nairobi. |
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| Building Local Capacity Through Mental Health First Responder Training |
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| BMI successfully delivered Mental Health First Responder (MHFR) Master Trainer trainings in Gilgit and Chitral as part of its commitment to strengthening community-based mental health support systems. A total of 16 participants were trained as Master Trainers to serve as local champions for mental health awareness and response. Facilitated by BMI trainers Zarafsheen Veerjee and Zara Nizar, the training sessions took place in Gilgit in April 2026 and Chitral in May 2026. The initiative aims to build sustainable local capacity for mental health education and support through a cascading training model, expanding access to mental health literacy and strengthening community resilience across the region. |
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Africa FINGERS Website LaunchedThe new site introduces the Africa-FINGERS study, a multinational research initiative exploring how culturally relevant lifestyle approaches can help reduce dementia risk and support healthier aging across Africa. Dementia is one of the fastest-growing health challenges worldwide, with cases in Africa projected to rise sharply by 2050. Africa-FINGERS is working to address this challenge through collaborative research across the continent. |
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| Brain-START (Scalable Technologies for the Assessment and Rescue of Brain Health) is a research project led byBMI to improve the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Through research in Kenya and Pakistan, the project is validating simple, affordable tools that combine digital memory tests, voice recordings, and blood tests to identify memory and thinking problems earlier and more accurately.
The study will also establish the first local reference standards needed to improve dementia diagnosis in East Africa and develop scalable approaches that can help bring early screening closer to communities. By generating locally relevant evidence, Brain-START aims to make early detection more accessible and improve dementia care in underserved settings. |
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| | | Over 11 publications in the last quarter |
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| Authors: Chinedu Udeh-Momoh, Cyprian Mostert, Jasmit Shah, Linda Khakali, Lukoye Atwoli, Wambui Karanja, Rachel Maina, Zul Merali
Journals: Alzheimer’s & Dementia, BMC Psychiatry, BMJ Open, eBiomedicine, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Frontiers in Neurology, International Journal of Public Health, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, JAMA Network, Journal of Kenya Association of Physicians, Nature Aging, NMC, PLOS One |
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Mental Health of Kenyan University Students: Evidence from the UZIMA Data Science Study |
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| The Mental Well-being of Healthcare Workers: What the Evidence Tells Us |
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| | Prof. Lukoye Atwoli Awarded APA International Distinguished Fellow Recognition BMI’s Deputy Director, Prof. Lukoye Atwoli, was awarded the International Distinguished Fellow, the highest honour conferred by the American Psychiatric Association (APA), during its 2026 Annual Meeting. The recognition acknowledges his outstanding contributions to mental health research, clinical practice, education and service in psychiatry at both locally and globally. Through his leadership, Prof. Atwoli continues to advance the field of mental health while mentoring and inspiring the next generation of researchers, clinicians and mental health advocates. |
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| | | Dr. Rozina Karmaliani Receives Sitara-e-Nursing Pakistan Award 2026 BMI’s Associate Director, Professor Rozina Karmaliani, was honoured with the Sitara-e-Nursing Pakistan Award 2026 during the International Nurses and Midwifery Day celebrations held in Karachi on 9 May 2026. Presented by the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council, the award recognizes her outstanding contributions to nursing, education, research and leadership in advancing health sciences in Pakistan. This national recognition reflects her longstanding commitment to strengthening health systems through research, capacity building and innovation. |
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