Mental and brain health issues pose a significant threat to economic and social well-being worldwide. The communities served by AKU, particularly children, youth, the elderly and other vulnerable groups, face compounded risks due to social, economic, and environmental challenges.
In response, AKU established the Brain and Mind Institute (BMI) with the support of the Waverley House Foundation to catalyse mental and brain health efforts in resource-constrained settings. A team of over two dozen leading scientists in mental health and neurosciences is driving impactful change through research, education, innovation & translation and partnerships & engagement.
The BMI collaborates closely with other AKDN entities. It operates in Kenya for East Africa and in Pakistan for South and Central Asia. It has played a key role in the development of mental health frameworks in Pakistan.
Currently, the BMI oversees more than 20 research projects, with a funding portfolio exceeding $9 million.