Reflections on Global Mental Health

12-1PM = Meet and Greet Luncheon

1-2PM = Presentation followed by Q&A

For a more humanitarian & ethical approach to global mental health activities Okpaku has suggested that such projects be examined from a dimensional as well as a criterion perspective. The dimensional perspectives include the historical, political, economic, & sociocultural aspects of such programs. A good number of global mental health programs are between a previous colonial power & her colony. An understanding of the above dynamics involving the above dimensions is likely to lead to greater transparency, less suspicion, & potential less exploitation between the donor & recipient entities. This is significant in a postcolonial climate. Similarly, the use of the criteria of such projects provide further clarity as to the objectives & boundaries of the project. For example, from a criteria perspective the project should deal with a universal or transnational issue e.g. violence. The stakeholders’ criterion should be multinational or international. The problem should be owned by the recipient entity & the team engaged in the project should be multidisciplinary. This approach will further buttress the guidelines suggested by the WHO and the OECD.

The lecture will provide definitions of the term “ethics” and provide examples of potential minefields in Global Mental Health. These include planning, priority setting, monitoring of foreign aid, pharmaceutical practices with examples for HIV/AIDS, experience, education & training, brain drain, advocacy, the use of photography, and research practices. The lecture will end with comments on the future of global mental health.