The “Here Comes Science” symposium at the two-day Shamiri Summit tackled the youth mental health treatment gap, challenges in translating research into policy, and how counseling practice utilizes research while considering today’s context.
Professor David Ndetei
Founding Director – Africa Institute for Mental and Brain Health AFRIMEB) and Professor of Psychiatry at University of Nairobi.
Key takeaway:
The treatment gap is as high as 90% in Kenya while it remains around 30% – 40% in the West. To begin to bridge the gap in Kenya, collaboration across sectors is critical, and necessary.
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Professor Ndetei suggested involving local ministries and community leaders from the outset of research and interventions. He recommended integrating non-traditional mental health practices, such as those from traditional healers and religious communities, as part of a comprehensive approach. This collaborative and contextual approach is critical to impactful interventions and community support in policy change.
Dr. Fredrick Wakesa
Research Scientist at the African Population and Health Research Center
Key takeaway:
Key challenges in translating research to policy include neglect of mental health care as a priority, lack of quality local data, and lack of adaptation of foreign models of care.
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There is a significant disconnect between research findings and their application in policy. Some researchers use foreign models and research them locally without adaptation or consideration of local context. This impacts the relevance of the research conducted to local needs. Frederick emphasized the importance of quality local, and consistent data, as it applies to informing local policies. He cited the prevalence of suicide in Kenya and that numbers are likely inaccurately reported due to stigma around suicide and legal ramifications.
James Walsh
Behavioral Economist at the Agency Fund
Key takeaway:
Mental health receives inadequate funding. Position your work to be of funder-specific interest.
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James highlighted the importance of evidence-based scalable solutions for mental health. He noted that it is important to understand when the right time to request funding is and the impact it can have on an organization’s ability to scale. James said he hopes to see more organizations reference the link between mental health and other outcomes like performance in school or work, these can be compelling stories for funders.
Aliya Shah
Counseling Psychologist and Communication Chair of EMDR Kenya Association
Key takeaway:
Staying current in Aliya’s practice is important; this includes consideration of relevant stressors for youth and utilizing current research findings in her practice.
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Aliya stressed the importance of creating safe spaces for children to foster social-inclusion and mental well-being. She spoke of the need for parents to understand their children’s stressors and take these seriously. She highlighted the significance of early childhood trauma on an individual’s life and the importance of applying evidence-based therapies like EMDR as well as wholistic approaches to well-being such as encouraging movement through dance, walking, and sports.
