The National Institute of Psychology (NIP) with sponsorship by the International Organization for Migration hosted an international conference on “Uplifting Mental Health of Vulnerable Segments of Population” on Friday. The event brought together stakeholders, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the globe to discuss issues, challenges, and solutions related to the mental health of vulnerable segments of the population in Pakistan for example, the problems of transgenders and their solutions were also discussed. The conference started with the recitation of the Holy Quran. After the national anthem, Dr. Humaira Jami (Organizer) discussed the purpose of this project/conference. Prof. Dr. Rubina Hanif, Director / Chief Organizer, welcomed the guests and expressed her best wishes for the bright future of the weaker segments. She emphasized great importance on collective efforts in uplifting these communities and emphasized the critical role we all can play in improving their mental health. She also highlighted various initiatives and programs of NIP designed to support the mental well-being of the vulnerable populations, stressing the need for increased awareness and resources. She encouraged collaboration between different stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders, to create a comprehensive support system. Our worthy guests Prof. Dr. Ziaul Haque along with other distinguished guests Dr. Shahid Irfan (National Program officer, IOM) Prof. Dr. Fayyaz Hussain (University of Michigan, USA), Dr. Parvaiz Shaukat ( Associate public health officer, UNHCR) and Dr. Anila Kamal shared their experiences to the event via their speeches and concerns related to the mental health of vulnerable segments of the population and stressed on the action to solve the mental problems of the vulnerable segments of population in the future. Two Panel discussions were held in different sessions for worthy guest panelists titled ‘’How to Prioritize Mental Health Through Structural and Social Change’’ and ‘’How to Strengthen the Role of Service Providers and Stakeholders in Improving the Mental Health of Vulnerable Groups’’.
During the conference, participants participated in a poster presentation and prizes were distributed among the first three winning participants. At the conference, the mental health problems of the vulnerable segments of the population, children, youth, and women, and the elimination of gender disparity and discrimination were emphasized, and the importance of restructuring the institutions and framing new regulations was emphasized. At the end of the conference, Vice Chancellor Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar (STI), and Rana Mashhood (Chief Guest, Coordinator of Prime Minister Youth Program) appreciated the efforts of the National Institute of Psychology for organizing the conference.
