Program | Brain and Mind Institute | Aga Khan University

 

Overview: Across the globe, millions of people living with depression and other common mental health conditions remain without the care they need. The treatment gap is vast—and it is growing. At the heart of the challenge lies a shortage of specialists, meaning too many are left unsupported at a time when help is most critical. Efforts such as task-shifting have expanded access, but as we scale up, a troubling “quality gap” often emerges. Digital tools bring new hope, offering reach and innovation, yet they can feel limited if they stand alone. In this lecture, Professor Rahman shares his pioneering work on weaving together two powerful forces: the empathy of peers and the possibilities of digital technology. This bold, human-centered approach opens new pathways for support, ensuring that care is not only accessible, but also compassionate and sustainable. It is a vision of mental health care where no one is left behind.

Overview: Childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of psychiatric and physical illness in adulthood. Emerging evidence suggests these effects may be biologically transmitted across generations. Our research investigates the epigenetic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon, focusing on microRNAs in serum, sperm, and milk from ethnically diverse trauma-exposed human cohorts. Samples include Pakistani children who experienced paternal loss and maternal separation, adult men with early-life trauma, Polish mothers with adverse childhood experiences, and survivors of the Srebrenica genocide and their children. Across these groups, we identified a conserved microRNA signature linked to cholesterol signaling—implicating lipid pathways in the biological embedding and intergenerational transmission of trauma. Ongoing studies using ethologically relevant mouse models and ex vivo systems aim to further elucidate the role of lipids and lipid-associated factors in mediating trauma’s enduring effects across generations.

Overview: This session aims to highlight the impact of First Episode Psychosis (FEP) on the developing brains of young people, a critical period during which the illness can lead to significant emotional and cognitive deterioration. To address this challenge, we will describe a novel, collaborative framework designed to integrate traditional and spiritual healers with primary care and specialized mental health services. The goal of this partnership is to improve the early detection and management of FEP within the community. Finally, we present our ongoing work in developing a culturally appropriate and context-specific model for Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP), crafted to be both effective and sustainable within the local setting.