Mental Health at Crossroads: Challenges and Solutions from India and South Africa

Mental Health at Crossroads: Challenges and Solutions from India and South Africa

The proposational contribution of mental disorders to total disease burden in India has almost doubled since 1990. In South Africa, almost a third of the population has experienced some form of common mental disorder in their lifetime.

Research has shown that a strong focus on community mental health is critical while the national mental health programs in India and South Asia including governance structures need to be strengthened.

The event was aimed at bringing academics, researchers, and practitioners together. They shared their experiences on mental health in India and South Africa.

The event was organized by the two affiliate groups of JBI from India and South Africa on 8th September 2023. JBI is a global organisation promoting and supporting evidence-based decisions that improve health and health service delivery. JBI offers a unique range of solutions to access, appraise and apply the best available evidence.

Ramaiah University

Program Schedule

 

Session 1 Chairperson: Dr Nontembiso Magida, JBI Ekurhuleni

13:30-14:00 IST

10:00-10:30 SAST

Welcome: Dr Edith Madela-Mntla (University of Pretoria)

Introduction to JBI-Ekurhuleni, Dr Jayati Kusari

Introduction to JBI-CPHR, Prof. Denny John

Session 2

Mental Health in India and South Africa

Chairpersons: Prof Jannie Hugo, University of Pretoria; Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee, JBI-CPHR

14:00-14:15 IST

10:30-10:45 SAST

Community Mental Health in India

Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran, Mehac Foundation

14:15-14:30 IST

10:45-11:00 SAST

Mental Health in South Africa

Dr Dennilee Naicker, Specialist Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pretoria

14:30-14:45 IST

11:00-11:15 SAST

Q & A led by Chairpersons

14:45-15:00 IST

11:15-11:30 SAST

Tea Break

15:00-15:15 IST

11:30-11:45 SAST

Evidence on Mental Health

Chairpersons: Dr. Chitra Venkateswaran, Mehac Foundation; Dr K Maaroganye Psychiatrist Ekurhuleni District, South Africa

15:15-15:30 IST

11:45-12:00 SAST

Economics of Mental Health

Prof. Denny John, Co-Director, JBI-CPHR

15:30-15:45 IST

12:00-12:15 SAST

Mental Health and Social Stigma among healthcare providers during COVID-19
Dr. Geetha R. Menon, Scientist-F, ICMR-National Institute of Medical Statistics, New Delhi

15:45-16:00 IST

12:15-12:30 SAST

Mehac case study

Dr. Poornima Sunder, Clinical.Director and Consultant, Mehac Foundation

16:00-16:15 IST

12:30-12:45 SAST

South Africa case study: Community oriented Substance use programme

Dr Urvisha Bhoora, University of Pretoria

16:15-16:30 IST

12:45-13:00 SAST

Yoga and mental health
Ms Carish Bhim, Psychologist & Yoga specialist

16:30-16:45 IST

13:00-13:15 SAST

Indian case study: Mental health status of the health professionals and managers after Balasore train accidents in the state of Odisha in India
Dr Prasanta Roy, Institute of Psychiatry, Kolkata

16:45-17:00 IST

13:15-13:30 SAST

Voices from the field

Mental Health Nurse/Volunteer/Care-giver

17:00-17:15 IST

13:30-13:45 SAST

Q & A

17:15-17:20 IST

13:45-14:00 SAST

Vote of thanks

Dr. Paramita Bhattacharya, JBI-CPHR

Webinar on Global Evidence, Local Decisions

Event Date: June 9, 2023

 

JBI Affiliate Centre

The JBI gLOCAL Solution Room was a ten-day event held across the globe from 05 – 11 June 2023, in numerous different countries and was designed to provide pragmatic solutions to challenges in getting evidence into practice in clinical setting.

Each  JBI  gLOCAL  Solution  Room event included a panel of experts giving ‘real- world’ insights during their presentations focused on evidence-implementation. As a ‘think tank’ they then responded directly to participant questions around Evidence Based Practice (EBP) challenges in an interactive panel discussion. The aim was to provide practical solutions for getting evidence into practice in your clinical setting.

The JBI gLOCAL Solution Room aimed to bring together clinicians, academics, and policymakers interested in evidence-based healthcare and served as a synchronized, collaborative, and widely accessible inter-regional space to promote evidence-based practice discussion and debate. Attendance to all events worldwide was free of charge. Learn more about ‘GLOCALization’ and JBI’s approach to global evidence-based healthcare at jbi.global/jbisolutionroom

 

PROGRAMME SCHEDULE
SESSION 1 Chairperson: Ms Mpho Maimane JBI- Ekurhuleni
13:30-13:45 Welcome: Mr Terrance Magorro, Chairperson JBI Ekurhuleni Advisory Board
13:45- 14:00 Introduction to JBI Prof Denny John: Co-Director: JBI-CPHR
SESSION 2 Adolescent health in India and South Africa
Chairperson: Dr Ben Montoedi Ekurhuleni Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee: Director JBI-CPHR
14:00-14:10 Challenges in Adolescent Health Dr Gwen Ramokgopa JBI-Ekurhuleni
14:10-14:20 Adolescent Reproductive health Dr Jayati Kusari JBI-Ekurhuleni
14:20-14:30 Adolescent health in tribal populations in India Dr. Krishnamurthy Jayanna (Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences), India
14:30-15:00 Panel discussion Q&A Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee: Director JBI-CPHR
15:00-15:30 TEA BREAK
SESSION 3 Global Evidence based Adolescent health care
Chairperson: Prof Ekta Saroha (IIHMR) + Prof Ute Feucht JBI-Ekurhuleni
15:30-15:40 Evidence based health care and its application in Adolescent health Prof Denny John: Co-Director JBI-CPHR
15:40-15:50 Indigenous Adolescent health promotion through community media Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee: Director JBI-CPHR
15:50-16:00 Tshwane case study Mr Andani Singo JBI-Ekurhuleni
16:00-16:10 Kolkata case study Ms Sunita Kar Rescue and Relief Foundation, India
16:10-16:40 Panel discussion Q&A Prof Ute Feucht JBI-Ekurhuleni
16:40-17:00 Closing remarks Dr Paramita Bhattacharya JBI-CPHR

 

Inaugural Event Of The Only JBI Affiliated Research Training Center In Eastern India

Inaugural Event Of The Only JBI Affiliated Research Training Center In Eastern India

Inaugural Event Of The Only JBI Affiliated Research Training Center In Eastern India

Written by admin

JBI Affiliated Center - group photo of team CPHR-MANT

The Centre for Public Health Research (CPHR), MANT, marked a significant milestone with the successful organization of the inaugural program for the JBI Affiliate Centre on Evidence Synthesis and Evidence Implementation for Indigenous Health. Held on 11th March at Hotel The Sojourn, Salt Lake City, Kolkata, the event brought together esteemed speakers, experts, and stakeholders to discuss the crucial role of evidence synthesis and implementation in improving indigenous health.

Event Highlights:

Dr. Paramita Bhattacharya, Core Committee member of the JBI Affiliated Centre, commenced the session by introducing the distinguished speakers for the event, including Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee, Prof Denny John, Dr. Barun Kanjilal, Prof. Debashis Basu, Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiraman, and Dr. Jaideep Menon.

Dr Nirmalya Mukherjee, Director, CPHR-MANT

Introduction to Evidence Synthesis and Evidence Implementation in Indigenous Health by Prof Denny John:

Prof. John emphasized the importance of evidence-based decisions in healthcare and the immense potential of MANT in addressing indigenous health challenges. He proudly announced the establishment of the 5th JBI Affiliate Centre in India, leveraging MANT’s extensive experience and leadership.

Dr. Barun  Kanjilal, Health Economist

Address by Chief Guest Prof Debashis Basu:

Prof. Basu, the Head of the Department of the Public Health Medical Unit at the University of Pretoria, emphasized the importance of resource optimization and collaboration among JBI Affiliate Centres worldwide. He discussed the responsibilities and challenges faced by public health researchers in contributing to policy-making decisions.

Dr. Barun  Kanjilal, Health Economist

Address by Tribal Member Smt. Shreemanti Hembram:

Smt. Hembram, a tribal community representative, highlighted the potential of the research wing of MANT in articulating the needs and aspirations of indigenous people. She expressed hope for evidence-based programs to positively impact the health and well-being of future generations.

Dr Paramita Bhattacharya, Asst. Director, CPHR-MANT

Welcome Address by Dr. Nirmalya Mukherjee:

Dr. Mukherjee provided a brief overview of MANT’s history and highlighted its mission to uplift the marginalized tribal population through educational institutions and various developmental initiatives. He expressed gratitude to mentors, executive committee members, and guests for their unwavering support.

Dr Paramita Bhattacharya, Asst. Director, CPHR-MANT

Presidential Address by Dr. Barun Kanjilal:

Dr. Kanjilal, a health economist, applauded the focus on evidence synthesis and highlighted the transformative power of presenting evidence systematically. He stressed the need to bridge the gap between research and policy implementation for effective healthcare outcomes.

Prof. Debasis Basu, Head of the Department of the Public Health Medical unit in University of Pretoria

Address by Guests of Honour Dr. Chandrashekhar Janakiraman and Dr. Jaideep Menon:

Dr. Janakiraman commended MANT’s efforts in establishing the JBI Affiliate Centre and stressed the need to address gaps in evidence synthesis for effective policy formulation. Dr. Menon expressed interest in collaborating with MANT, recognizing the significance of tribal health research and the shared focus on serving marginalized communities.

Prof. Debasis Basu, Head of the Department of the Public Health Medical unit in University of Pretoria

Conclusion:

The inaugural event of the JBI Affiliate Centre on Evidence Synthesis and Implementation for Indigenous Health served as a momentous occasion in furthering MANT’s commitment to improving indigenous health. The insightful speeches, valuable discussions, and shared aspirations for evidence-based healthcare and policy implementation set the stage for a future marked by impactful research and transformative outcomes.

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Health Technology Assessment Research Unit

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Health technology assessment (HTA) is a structured analysis of a health technology, a set of related technologies, or a technology-related issue that is performed for the purpose of providing input to a policy decision (US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment 1994). HTA asks important questions about these technologies [drugs, devices, procedures, settings of care, screening] such as: When is counselling better than drug treatment for depression? Should we screen for human papilloma virus when doing cervical smears? Should aspirin be used for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease? It answers these questions by investigating four main factors: whether the technology works, for whom, at what cost, how it compares with the alternatives (UK NHS National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme 2013).

HTA is a field of scientific research to inform policy and clinical decision making around the introduction and diffusion of health technologies. HTA is a multidisciplinary field that addresses the health impacts of technology, considering its specific healthcare context as well as available alternatives. Contextual factors addressed by HTA include economic, organizational, social, and ethical impacts. The scope and methods of HTA may be adapted to respond to the policy needs of a particular health system (Health Technology Assessment International 2013).

CPHR’s team with expertise in clinical trials, epidemiology, biostatistics, and economic modelling are currently involved in several projects aimed at evidence to inform policy and practice in the areas of digital health technologies, and health services.

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