Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA) has begun the 3rd Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The conference is part of the capital’s efforts towards driving mental health reforms and strengthening strategies for the benefit of the community.
The conference further serves as an international platform to bring together international specialists and key speakers from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Uganda, Germany, the UAE, Lebanon, Canada, and Australia.
Additionally, the conference aims to create an open dialogue on the topics of international mental health care models, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health, paediatric mental health, and the diagnosis and treatment journeys of mental health patients.
We are immensely proud to work closely on this conference, which covers all areas of mental health, including government initiatives, COVID-related mental health responses by different nations, the latest innovations in medical fields including neuropsychiatry and oncology, and primary care integration.
Dr. Nahida Nayaz Ahmed, Chair of Behavioral Health Council SEHA, shared.
“For the very first time in the region, there will be a workshop involving individuals with lived experiences from around the world who will share their journey to recovery from mental health challenges. We are grateful to the country’s leadership for their continued faith in us and constant support in making mental health the foremost agenda for the government,” Dr. Nahida added.
Ms. Hind Al Zaabi, Executive Director of the Healthcare Facilities Sector at DoH, commented that “today, more than ever, we realise the importance of building a strong and comprehensive health system that meets the needs of the community, including mental health services. Thanks to the continued support of our wise leadership, the Department of Health in Abu Dhabi is committed to achieving its vision of making Abu Dhabi a physically and psychologically healthy society.”
On the first day of the conference, Dr. Simon Stafrace delivered a notable talk on “Fixing a Broken Mental Health System in Victoria, Australia,” and Dr. Kirsten Meisinger, Prof. Berthold Langguth, and Karla Thorpe spoke on mental health models and psychiatric care in the USA, Germany, and Canada, respectively.
Day two of the mental health conference will touch upon neuropsychiatry, with Dr. Asanga Fernando speaking on “Integrating New and Emerging Technologies into Practice and Education – Lessons from a Large London Hospital.” Another topic in focus is Primary Care Integration and Psychological Insights, with Dr. Cairo Arafat and Jamila AlBraiki stationed to speak on Child Protection Mental Health.
The one-of-a-kind conference is a part of SEHA’s efforts towards driving mental health reforms across Abu Dhabi and serves as an international platform to highlight the Emirate’s strategic plans and mental health model of care.