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Focus on Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
To date, 90% of the world's population has been excluded from research on Alzheimer's disease since most of the studies have been done on white populations with Western European ancestry. In response, we have forged a partnership with Davos Alzheimer's Collabora​​​​tive, to address the huge need in Sub-Saharan Africa, in general, and in Kenya in particular.  We at BMI, plan to establish a Dementia Hub to promote Alzheimer's research, enhance culturally sensitive care, and broaden access to innovative treatments across the African continent.
The partnership is a trailblazing collaboration to redefine Alzheimer's screening and diagnostics, biomarker development for early detection and the development of innovative preventive and treatment interventions. We feel that our data will ​​contribute to a better global understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, because the roots of the global populations stem from the Rift Valley of East Africa.  Our focus will be on vulnerable and underserv​​​​​​ed populations, accelerating the development of novel treatments predicated on a precision medicine approach.​


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What excites you about the work you do?
I have always wanted to do something good and valuable for the world, and I inherited this from my parents. Economics shapes everything and gives perspective on value of money, efficiencies, and policy engineering. All these aspects keep society moving, and I want to be part of this story to bring out the perspective of the marginalized based on social justice, equality, and fairness.

What makes BMI unique? What is different about your work experience here?
BMI is unique on so many levels (1) it brings perspectives from the Global South – a very refreshing idea (2) BMI is a tent of diversity – which I believe is a future for global corporations (3) BMI is travelling the untraveled path – I love originality and novelty. Regarding my work experience -I feel a great sense of community and care and want to make a difference here in the global south -unlike in my previous life as a Banker, where money superseded everything.​

What is your secret to progress?
Fortitude and kindness and never taking life stressors too seriously. Play hard and work diligently.
 
What does a typical day for you look like?
There is no typical day. I must be fluid, adaptable, and willing to change gears based on daily needs and demands. However, I always read about daily economic affairs focusing on the World, Africa, and developing countries. I try to learn a new joke every day and take no politician too seriously. It is good for my mental health.
In most instances, I usually begin my day at 16.30hrs by reviewing my previous work schedule list. This way, I can set up my priorities. I review the status of the projects that I am currently working on, and I try to finish any pending assignments if any. This ensures the time value for money of all my projects without any glitches. From time to time, I reward myself dearly after achieving a significant milestone. I call this ‘the Cyprian checkbook for existence’.​


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A section of the BMI team joined the Ministry of Health, Division of Mental Health, to write the protocol for a national baseline mental health survey that will determine the prevalence and determinants of mental illnesses in the Kenyan population. The survey will be conducted across all eight regions in the country.
Part of the team includes Prof Lukoye Atwoli, Associate Director; Prof Zul Merali, Founding Director; Dr Edna Bosire, Medical Anthropologist and Prof Cyprian Mostert, Mental Health Economist.

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Kenya has made steady progress in providing mental health services to its population, but some areas require more work. BMI, in partnership with the Mental Health Alliance of Kenya (MHAK), hosted a consultative forum with stakeholders, including insurance companies, regulators, policyholders, private sector, academia, government and non-profit organizations, for a roundtable discussion on how to improve efficiency in the insurance sector concerning mental health.

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This past month, we came together to create a framework as we discussed how to collaborate in advancing science from the "neuron" to the "community." Together, we aspire to develop effective strategies to improve access to care, prevent mental ill health, and promote improved mental and brain health in the global south.
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The Badin district's infrastructure comprises tarnished roads making way from one community to another, living spaces structured from cement but devoid of paint, and open ditches of stagnant waters filled with heaps of litter. At one point in time, the eye seems suspended over fields of green with crippled structures of living arrangements in between. 
The recent floods, however, and the consequent halting of economic activities in the district have added to the people's misery. But despite events like these and their many tangents of anguish, residents continue to pull through their routines. The women of Badin carry skills of making hand-held fans out of fabric and blankets teased with colour patterns that break into abstractions of traditional and modern designs. The intricacies of the practices remain unhinged.

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African Launch: Lancet-WPA Commission on Depression
 

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In September we hosted a pilot of our Mental Health Ambassadorship Micro-Certification Course. This course aims to produce mental health ambassadors and is designed to be accessible to anyone and everyone, with no prerequisites or registration restrictions. The course was piloted concurrently in Kenya and Pakistan. The objective is to mobilize a group of advocates for mental health who will strive to eliminate stigma and identify and support those in need while promoting mental well-being for all.
 
Participants Say
 
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We are happy to receive your comments and feedback. Email us at Brain&Mind@aku.edu​

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