Innovative practices discussed at Qatar International Mental Health Conference

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) and Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), in collaboration with Primary Health Care Corporation and the Royal College of Psychiatrists, brought together more than 50 local, regional and international speakers for the recent ninth Qatar International Mental Health Conference.
The conference held at the Sheraton Doha saw more than 1,000 delegates attend the three-day event in person or online on combined topics of mental health and wellbeing with innovations in treatment and psychiatry.
Dr Majid al-Abdulla, chairman of psychiatry, medical director of the Mental Health Service at HMC and conference chairman, said: “This event was an ambitious attempt to combine the science of medicine with the importance of wellbeing and mental health promotion. The theme of the conference, 'Transforming Mental Health for All', attracted people from the many aspects of mental health today.
"The array of international speakers, colleagues from the region, our own staff and local partner organisations, combined with members of the public, delegates from industry and wellbeing specialists, provided a rich and engaging conference for all.”
In his address at the opening ceremony, as well as welcoming guests and delegates, Dr al-Abdulla stressed the importance of raising public awareness of mental health and continuing to improve access to evidence-based treatments, a subject that was continually highlighted throughout the three-day event.
The co-chairs of the conference were Dr Zerak al-Salihy, senior consultant old age psychiatrist, and Katja Anneli Warwick Smith, assistant executive director, Mental Health Services and Operational Lead for the National Mental Health Helpline.
The opening ceremony was moderated by Sheikha Dr Haya Abdulla Althani, a medical resident currently doing her psychiatry rotation at the Mental Health Service. She, along with other resident doctors, was highly active in the organisation of the conference.
The inclusion and promotion of physical and mental health and the inclusion of wellbeing activities were promoted throughout the conference, with many delegates participating in sessions advising on techniques to relieve stress or to promote stretching and wellbeing.
Susan Clelland, director of the National Mental Health Programme at the MoPH, said: “Embracing a wellbeing approach helps to promote mental health and raises public awareness in addition to reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. Wellbeing specialists working with colleagues from HMC and engaging delegates was a welcome initiative that complemented the traditional educational lectures."
The scientific stream of the conference brought many experts who worked with local clinical leaders to share and update on areas of contemporary and innovative practice. The conference committees were overwhelmed by the level of interest to present at the conference, and the feedback from participants has been highly positive.
Iain Tulley, CEO of the Mental Health Service at HMC and national lead for Mental Health and Wellbeing, said the event demonstrated the importance of partnership working and collaboration. “I would like to pay tribute to our local partners, sponsors and colleagues from across the health system for helping make this event possible. So many delegates were delighted to come together at this conference after the Covid-19 enforced gap. We were, therefore, delighted to welcome so many representatives from our academic partners, schools, representatives from the Generation Amazing Foundation, Qatar Airways and Qatari composer Dana Alfardan – this was truly a multi-sectoral group coming together to support our collective goal of promoting mental health and wellbeing for all.”
Dr Yusra Mushtaq, senior clinical psychologist, and Sheryl Henriques, licensed clinical psychologist at Qatar Airways, delivered a presentation on mental health awareness and prevention strategies, and prioritising employee wellbeing.
Dr Mushtaq emphasised the airline’s commitment to staff health and wellbeing, shining a spotlight on Qatar Airways' robust focus on mental health and the steadfast support from its Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker, and the senior executive management team, a press statement noted.
Dr al-Abdulla said the event would not have been possible without support from the partners and sponsors, and expressed gratitude to the Platinum Sponsor, Lundbeck, as well as the Bronze Sponsors: Janssen, Hikma, Qatar Airways and The View Hospital. Additional exhibitors included Newbridge and Viatris.
The next mental health and wellbeing conference is scheduled to take place in late 2024.