A stark mental health crisis facing Pakistan, a nation with fewer than 500 psychiatrists for its population of over 240 million, was a central focus of a major international summit that concluded in the city.
According to AKU information today, the Global Conference on Brain and Mental Health, hosted by the Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Brain and Mind Institute (BMI), gathered global experts to address the critical need for scalable, community-based mental healthcare solutions.
The three-day forum, held from November 3-5 at the university”s campus, brought together a diverse group of researchers, clinicians, policymakers, and community advocates from Pakistan and abroad. Themed ‘Building Thriving Communities: Promoting Brain and Mental Health,’ the event aimed to tackle pressing mental health priorities within the Global South.
Prominent national and international specialists contributed to the discussions, including representatives from the University of Liverpool, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR-UK), and Imperial College London. Dr. Zafar Mirza, Pakistan”s Former State Minister of Health, was among the notable speakers who addressed the attendees.
The comprehensive agenda explored a range of vital topics, such as the role of digital technology in mental health, the psychological impact of migration on youth, the link between climate change and brain health, and strategies for suicide prevention. Other key sessions were dedicated to dementia, healthy brain aging, and the development of community-centric care models. The program also included film screenings and performances reflecting on personal experiences with mental health challenges and resilience.
In response to the nation”s healthcare gap, AKU’s Brain and Mind Institute, in collaboration with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is spearheading an Integrated Mental Health Framework. This initiative focuses on equipping non-specialists, such as teachers, peers, and frontline health workers, with the skills to identify early signs of psychological distress and provide psychosocial support, thereby making care more accessible.
‘We are seeing mental health move to the centre of conversations about public health and development,’ stated Professor Zul Merali, the Founding Director of the Brain and Mind Institute. ‘This conference has been about connecting science to the realities people face every day and building the partnerships that will turn ideas into lasting change.’
The necessity of cross-disciplinary and international collaboration was a recurring theme. Dr. Rozina Karmaliani, Professor and Associate Director of the BMI, remarked, ‘Conferences like this remind us that advancing brain and mental health requires connection across disciplines, countries and communities. It is through collaboration that we can turn scientific discovery into meaningful impact for transforming the lives of the communities we serve.’
The gathering concluded by reaffirming the institute”s commitment, guided by its “From Neuron to Neighbourhood” ethos, to continue advancing brain and mental health through dedicated research, education, and innovation, positioning mental well-being as fundamental to human and societal progress.