In recognition of the Mental Health Month week in September, the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (KUHeS) hosted the 9th Malawi Mental Health Research and Practice Development Conference.
This year’s conference, themed “Winds of Change: Harnessing Research to Enhance Mental Health and Healthcare in Malawi,” emphasized a collective commitment to improving mental health and healthcare in our beloved country.
During the official opening of the two-day event, KUHeS Vice Chancellor Professor Mac Mallewa highlighted the urgent need for collaborative efforts among practitioners to establish a shared vision for a Malawi where mental health is prioritized.
“We envision a Malawi where mental health is understood and integrated into our healthcare systems,” he declared.
He pointed out that low- and middle-income countries, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, face a significant burden of mental disorders.
Professor Mallewa noted that various natural disasters have intensified these challenges.
“Recently, we have seen the effects of climate change, including Cyclone Anna and Cyclone Freddie, which have displaced thousands and left many homeless and hungry. These situations exacerbate existing risk factors. Underfunding and limited access to mental health services, coupled with a high prevalence of mental disorders, result in a significant treatment gap,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of research capacity in addressing these multifaceted mental health challenges.
“Developing research capacity allows for the identification of priority mental health problems specific to Malawi, providing an evidence base for policymakers and providers to make informed decisions about which mental health initiatives to prioritize, particularly in an under-resourced landscape with multiple competing health priorities,” he explained.
Among the noteworthy speakers, Dr. George K. Brown presented on the Stanley-Brown Safety Planning Intervention to Reduce Suicide Risk. Additionally, Dr. Bonga Chiliza, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatry at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in Durban, South Africa, discussed
“Understanding Trauma in Psychosis through Historical Context,” emphasizing the need for culturally relevant interventions.
Mrs. Janet Mambulasa shared findings from a multi-method pilot study on community-based rehabilitation interventions for individuals with psychosis in Mulanje District.
“There is improved knowledge and information on mental health, and we are definitely seeing a change in attitudes among caregivers.”
This conference served as a vital platform for addressing the pressing mental health challenges in Malawi and fostering meaningful collaborations among researchers, policymakers, and healthcare providers.