ABU DHABI, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), in collaboration with the Department of Health (DoH), is set to host the 2nd Abu Dhabi Integrated Mental Health Conference on 28th and 29th January, 2022, held both virtually and physically at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC).
The two-day hybrid conference is a part of the company’s efforts towards driving mental health reforms across Abu Dhabi. With the prime objective of promoting the integration of psychiatry into primary care, the event will be attended by eminent clinical practitioners, academics and mental health professionals.
Dr. Anwar Sallam, Group Chief Medical and Clinical Officer, SEHA, said, “As the UAE’s largest healthcare network, it is our duty to ensure the development and implementation of reforms aimed at the upliftment of mental health across the region. I am truly happy with the scientific programme that has been put together. It is relevant, thought-provoking and insightful. SEHA will continue to contribute heavily towards driving a much-needed change in the mental health space.”
The conference will bring together several prominent international speakers. Attending experts will include Prof. Norman Sartorius, former Director of the World Health Organisation’s Division of Mental Health and former President of both, the World Psychiatric Association and the European Psychiatric Association; Dr. Brian Hurley, Addiction Physician from Los Angeles County Department of Public Health; Dr. Ayaz Virji from the Health Centre, NYU Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Campus; and Dr. Deanne Kashiwagi, Programme Director, Internal Medicine Residency Programme, Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, among others.
A key highlight will be a session on the DoH’s new mental health care model to be delivered by Dr. Omniyat Al Hajri, Director of Public Health at the DoH.
The Abu Dhabi Centre for Public Health will present valuable information around integrated awareness-raising efforts and educational campaigns embedded within the Mental Health Care Model. The talk will encompass how strengthened multi-stakeholder action can help shape the community’s beliefs and behaviours towards wellness and mental health, leading to reduced stigma and increased help-seeking attitudes, thus early identification.
Prof. Norman Sartorius will kick off the conference as the event’s keynote speaker, presenting on “The Present State and the Future of Psychiatry”. Dr. Siddiq Anwar, Consultant Nephrologist at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City, will talk about renal diseases and how they impair psychosocial functions.
A variety of mental health topics, ranging from paediatric psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, women’s mental health, substance abuse and mood/psychotic disorders, will be covered over the two days. Noteworthy sessions include “Challenges in Integrating Mental Health”; “Management of Schizophrenia in Primary Care”; “Perinatal Psychiatry in Primary Care”; “Depression and Anxiety in Children”, and PTSD/Fear of Remission in Cancer Survivors.
Source: Emirates News Agency
