Experts discuss emerging challenges in mental health

LAHORE : Punjab University Centre for Clinical Psychology (CCP) organised the 7th international conference on 'Mental Health and Rehabilitation: Contemporary Trends and Advances in Clinical Practice' on Friday.

The participants discussed in detail the emerging challenges in mental health care and rehabilitation during the conference.

Director CCP Prof Dr Saima Dawood, Professor of Health Equity from University of Leeds UK, Prof Dr Ghazala Mir, Principal Clinical Psychologist from Ireland, Dr Akhtar Ali Syed, delegates from Indonesia, UK, Ireland, experts and professionals from Islamabad and Karachi, faculty members and students were present on this occasion.

In her address, Dr Saima highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing emerging challenges in mental health care and rehabilitation. She said that the conference attracted a diverse group of experts, researchers, and students from across Pakistan and internationally. The event contained an engaging academic programme with 11 scientific sessions, six symposiums and two panel discussions. The topics explored included new treatment approaches, evidence-based therapies, the role of technology in mental health care and the integration of mental health services into rehabilitation programmes.

These discussions emphasised contemporary trends and recent advancements in clinical practice offering a platform for knowledge exchange. The participants shared their insights, learnt from each others’ experiences during the conference.

Multi-sectoral nutrition strategy launched

To address severe nutritional challenges in the province, the Planning & Development Board has launched the Multi-sectoral Nutrition Strategy 2024-30.

The ceremony was presided over by the Member Health, Nutrition, and Population, P&D Board, Shafaat Ali, who highlighted the critical role of the Multi-sectoral Nutrition Cell (MSNC) in ensuring effective coordination, providing technical assistance, and monitoring.

He emphasised that the MSNC collaborates closely with diverse sectors, including health, education, population, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), agriculture, fisheries, livestock, food safety, and social protection, to ensure a holistic approach.

Chief Nutrition Officer, UNICEF Pakistan, Mr Anteneh Girma Menassie, discussed how the Punjab government is leading efforts to facilitate collaboration with the MSNC.