In an innovative approach to addressing mental health in underserved areas, BMI has established two regions in Northern Pakistan—Ghizer and Upper Chitral—as "Living Labs" for long-term research on mental wellbeing. This initiative, developed in partnership with the Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHSP), integrates community-based research with targeted interventions to tackle pressing issues such as depression, substance use, family violence, and the prevention of age-related conditions like Alzheimer's and dementia.
The Living Labs model embeds research and solutions within the community, relying on engagement and co-design strategies to ensure the interventions are relevant, culturally sensitive, and effective. This framework allows researchers to work closely with local populations to understand mental health challenges and test interventions that improve overall wellbeing.
Understanding mental health narratives
The initial phase of the project has focused on gathering local perspectives through stakeholder interviews and focus group discussions. These efforts aim to uncover the community's views on mental health, identify research priorities, and assess the prevalence of issues like depression and substance abuse. By listening to these voices, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the cultural, social, and economic factors that influence mental health in these communities.
Early success with community-based interventions
The Living Labs have already begun to make a positive impact, particularly through the creation of community-level support groups. These groups offer a safe space for individuals to share their experiences and receive emotional support, and early results are promising. Participants have reported a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression, demonstrating the effectiveness of these grassroots interventions in improving mental health outcomes.
Expanding research and care models
Building on these successes, the next phase of the Living Labs initiative will include a comprehensive household survey to gather data on mental health and brain aging. This will provide a detailed picture of the region's mental health needs and inform the development of healthcare models tailored to the community. The ultimate goal is to create sustainable strategies that enhance mental health care and promote healthy brain aging, which can be adapted to other regions across Pakistan.
By transforming Ghizer and Upper Chitral into hubs for community-led mental health innovation, the Living Labs project aims to create scalable solutions that can improve wellbeing in rural and underserved areas worldwide.
