Momentum for brain and mental health across continents

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

This past quarter has been both energising and inspiring for the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI). Across Africa and South Asia, we have seen encouraging progress. Stronger partnerships, new initiatives and growing momentum for brain and mental health research that is rooted in local leadership and global collaboration.

One highlight was the DELTAS Africa Scientific Meeting in Cape Town, held under the theme “A Decade of Excellence: Advancing Science, Strengthening Partnerships for Africa’s Future.” As I moderated and chaired a session on Noncommunicable Diseases, Mental Health and Neuroscience, the message was clear; African-led research, backed by resilient institutions and authentic community engagement, is key to turning science into solutions.

That same spirit of collective action guided conversations in Cairo at the African Population Cohorts Consortium (APCC) Steering Committee. There, discussions on the 5 by 6 Africa Plan, first conceived at last year’s first Nature conference in Africa, set the stage for a new Pan-African consortium. Exciting initiatives are already on the horizon, including the idea of a Global Brain Health Institute fellowship for Africa.

Strengthening collaborations has also been central to our work in South and Central Asia. In Karachi, I met with BMI colleagues and Aga Khan University (AKU) leadership, including the new Dean of the Medical College, Professor Karim Damji. Together, we are charting new directions, such as launching dementia research in partnership with the departments of Neurology, Psychiatry and Biological Sciences. These efforts reinforce BMI’s commitment to building sustainable research platforms across regions.

Looking ahead, momentum is building for our Second International Conference on Building Thriving Communities: Promoting Brain and Mental Health, to be held at AKU, Karachi, from November 3–5, 2025. With just two weeks to go, we are preparing to welcome colleagues and partners from across the world for what promises to be a landmark gathering.

Closer to home, BMI recently convened a first-of-its-kind Religious Leaders Forum on Suicide Prevention and Decriminalisation in partnership with the Ministry of Health-Kenya, the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya, the Chiromo Hospital Group and the Kenya Psychiatric Association. The joint statement issued by faith leaders, that suicide is not a crime, but a cry of distress often linked to mental health challenges, was a historic step forward. Building on this milestone, we also organised a Youth Suicide Prevention Forum with the Science for Africa Foundation to ensure that young voices shape the solutions of tomorrow.

Taken together, these initiatives reflect the spirit of our mission to advance brain health through collaboration, innovation and community engagement. I remain deeply grateful for your dedication and partnership, and I look forward to the journey ahead.