On August 4th and 5th, 2009, the IOM Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders will collaborate with the Forum on Health and Nutrition of the Uganda National Academy of Sciences to convene an international workshop on the on quality of care issues for mental health and neurological disorders in sub-saharan Africa. 

OPEN REGISTRATION:

If you are interested in registering for this free workshop please click here.

Purpose of the Workshop:

The Workshop on Quality of Care Issues for Mental Health and Neurological Disorders in Sub-Saharan Africa's main purpose is to assess the current state of the quality of care for mental health and neurological disorders in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) and to elucidate, identify, and prioritize top areas that might benefit from improvements in quality that could build on the pre-existing or easily obtainable infrastructure.

There have been two planning meetings to assist in the organization of the workshop—one in the U.S. in September of 2008 (click here for more information on this past planning meeting) and one in Uganda in July of 2008 (click here to view the agenda from the meeting).

Objectives:

The workshop will identify and discuss potential programs of action that could be implemented in cost-effective and efficient manners to improve care of neurological and mental health disorders. Dialogue at the workshop is intended to emphasize the need for national, evidence-based policies addressing quality of care for mental health and neurological disorders. Key areas of emphasis include:

·         Collaborations between a variety of stakeholders, including policy makers and health care professionals, focused on improving quality of care;

·         Sustainability and continuity of care and resources such as medical equipment and medications;

·         Health systems and how to best manage the current shortage of high-level, trained health care professionals in mental health and neurological disorders and the limited resources of most SSA countries.

Workshop Summary:

Following the workshop a joint workshop summary will be prepared that will be subject to appropriate review procedures before release and will serve to inform the Forum's future meetings.

Workshop Planning Committee:

An ad hoc planning committee will be appointed by the IOM to organize the workshop. It includes representatives from the Forum on Neuroscience and Nervous System Disorders and the IOM Forum on Health and Nutrition and other key stakeholders to assist in the organization and planning of this event.