On the sidelines of the UZIMA-DS study annual gathering, the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) had the honor of hosting Dr. Gijs Walraven, Director for Health at the Aga Khan Development Network, at the Vishakani Health Facility in Kilifi County. Dr. Walraven, who also serves as the General Manager of Aga Khan Health Services, visited Vishakani Dispensary to familiarize himself with the site where BMI intends to conduct research. Discussions focused on collaborations between the County Government of Kilifi and various partners aimed at improving mental and brain health in the Kaloleni community.
Dr. Walraven met with the Sub County Health Manager, his team, and Community Health Promoters (CHPs) from the area. The CHPs elaborated on their activities at the health facility, particularly community health education.
BMI has established a Living Lab in the Vishakani area of Kilifi County. The Lab will employ participatory approaches to understand the community's brain and mental health priorities and risk factors across the lifespan. It aims to co-develop contextually relevant interventions to address existing gaps in service delivery and reduce the burden of brain and mental health issues through early intervention and prevention.
"From a population health perspective, I am pleased to hear that BMI has planned for what comes next after identifying people with problems in the community. This aligns with AKDN’s approach to health, which focuses on solutions to global health challenges," remarked Dr. Gijs Walraven during his visit.
Blending the exceptional capacities of Aga Khan University and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), BMI advances research, education, innovation, and partnerships in mental health and neuroscience.
"We are excited to have made progress with the Living Lab Framework and the implementation trial starting in the Vishakani sub-cohort. This marks a step towards realizing our vision, and we anticipate extending this approach to our work in both East Africa and Pakistan," said Prof. Zul Merali, BMI’s Founding Director.
The Institute houses experts in scientific research, clinical interventions, policy analysis, communications, partnerships, and implementation science. These capabilities help identify gaps in service and knowledge, culturally sensitive, evidence-based solutions, and inform the delivery of appropriate care at the right time and place.
