The international conference of “The World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH)”, held in Dublin Ireland, served as a melting pot of ideas, insights, and expertise in infant mental health where distinguished academicians, mental health professionals, researchers, and education specialists from BRAC IED, BRAC University, BRAC and BRAC International, along with representatives from 48 different countries came together to contribute and collaborate.
The conference truly embodied the global significance of infant mental health. The delegates from BRAC IED presented their innovative research and methodologies in multiple formats, showcasing the organization’s dedication to advancing mental health care for infants and caregivers.
The conference highlighted the crucial role of BRAC IED through three panels and had two poster presentations. Dr. Tabassum Amina, Assistant Professor and Lead of the MHPSS Team, shared profound insights in her presentation titled “The BRAC Paracounsellor Model: Cultural Influences in Design and Iteration,” emphasizing the importance of cultural nuances in mental health initiatives. Sakila Yesmin, Nazia Sharmin, and Pooja Bhattacharjee from BRAC IED highlighted the “Respect for Indigenous Knowledge through Co-Creating with Communities: BRAC’s Approach to Humanitarian Work,” exemplifying BRAC’s commitment to holistic and community-driven approaches to mental health support. Md. Taifur Islam and Maruf Hossain Mishuk brought forth their pioneering research on the “BRAC 0–2 Father’s Engagement Model: Patriarchal Values of Fatherhood to Establish Support for Child Development,” shining a light on the essential role of fathers in early childhood development.
Pooja Bhattacharjee and Md. Taifur Islam from the MHPSS team emphasized on “The BRAC Paracounsellor Model” which brings Hope through Psychosocial Support. Maruf Hossain Mishuk and Kanon Ahmed presented “Pashe Achhi-(Beside You) Model: which worked as a Remote Learning Intervention that Connected Children and Carers during the Pandemic. This conference further solidified BRAC’s commitment to fostering mental well-being across diverse populations and reinforcing its position as a global leader in infant mental health.
