It is hard to believe that we are already looking at 2022 through our ‘rearview mirror’! As we reflect on the flurry of activities and accomplishments over 2022, few things stand out. Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) is in its formative stage and our reflections focus on the opportunities and challenges that have come along the way as we chart our course towards championing equity in Mental and Brain Health in the Global South, particularly in East Africa and South and Central Asia.
We are so proud and excited about the formation of our implementation science team of over 25 prominent researchers and practitioners, with exciting and multidisciplinary skill sets, promoting a wholistic approach. With the build-up of this scientific team, our capacity and output, is on the rise; including new grants and projects, and impactful publications. At the same time, we continue to work together to develop better strategies for moving science from the” neuron to the neighborhood” approach.
We are intentional about engaging the communities we serve, especially through enhanced awareness and knowledge on mental health. Through our engagements and events this year, we have reached over 3,000 people through stakeholder engagement forums, webinars, round table discussions and workshops.
Mental illness is highly stigmatized due to a lack of awareness and misinformation. This year, we launched the highly anticipated Mental Health Micro-Certification Course to address the knowledge gap and to raise awareness about mental health. Through this course, we are hoping to create an army on mental health ambassadors to normalize and amplify messages promoting early detection and non-judgmental support of those suffering in silence; it is time to stamp out stigma and discrimination.
In order for us to deal with issues pertaining to mental ill-health and suicides effectively, we need to talk about these issues honestly and openly. During the Suicide prevention week, we had the privilege of screening the film 'This Bank of the River' at the Aga Khan University Campus in Karachi. This film, produced by Nighat Akbar Shah, who personally joined this forum, illustrates a newfound willingness in Pakistan to break the silence and take action to prevent suicide.
Another exciting milestone for us was the launch of the African Lancet-World Psychiatric Association Commission on Depression. This launch was noteworthy since depression is the leading cause of illness worldwide and the largest risk factor for suicidal ideation and suicidal acts.
At the Institute, we strive to build a 'Big Tent'. This year has seen us forge seven new partnerships with like-minded organizations. We intend to continue our resolve to develop similar partnerships across various AKU Colleges, Schools, Centers, departments, and Institutes and with different academic and community organizations worldwide.
Moreover, the BMI team came together to create a strategic framework to deliberate on how to advance science from the "neuron" to the "community." Together, we aspire to develop effective strategies to improve access to care, prevent mental ill health, and promote improved mental and brain health in the global south.
Overall, the year has been one of taking on bold challenges. We intend to continue our uncompromising approach to fostering good mental well-being for all. The WHO estimates that at least 1 in 4 of us will be directly affected by mental illness in our lifetime. Unfortunately, for far too long, those affected, and their loved ones have suffered silently under the shadows of stigma and fear. We intend to do our best to promote open conversations about mental ill health and to foster research and innovation to change how we deal with mental illness.
We move forward to the next year with more faith and confidence that we can accomplish more of the 'impossible.' Here is to a greater and healthier mental well-being for everyone, always! May 2023 bring us all happiness, good mental health, and success.
