The historic 25th edition of the World Congress of the International Association for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Allied Professions (IACAPAP) concluded successfully on Friday at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The four-day event, the first of its kind in the region, included thought-provoking discussions and lectures as well as a Youth Circle where eminent people and experts offered their opinions on the latest research and innovative solutions to a range of mental health issues young people face around the world.
The congress, which was held from December 5 to 9 under the theme “Child and Adolescent Mental Health: Shaping the Future,” was hosted by Al Jalila Children’s Specialty Hospital, the first and only dedicated children’s hospital in the UAE. It featured more than 200 speakers, 600 abstract presentations, and 1300 attendees, with delegates coming from 85 different countries.
On Thursday, the congress saw an insightful panel discussion on the topic: Future of Mental Health in the UAE where distinguished personalities including Dr. Ammar Albanna, Head of Mental Health Center of Excellence at AJCH and the IACAPAP Chair, participated in an insightful panel discussion. Dr. Essam Al Zarouni, Acting Chief Executive Officer for Medical Services Sector, Emirates Health Services; Amal AlBlooshi, Director of the National Wellbeing Program, Ministry of Community Development; Ebrahim Hayel Alharbi, Early Childhood Workforce Specialist, Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA); Fatma Belrehif, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Schools Inspection Bureau, Knowledge and Human Development Authority and Dr. Meshal Sultan, Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist at AJCH also talked on various topics during the session.
Participants had the chance to hear from mental health experts directly during the interactive sessions about how to maintain one’s mental health and support those who may need assistance. The discussions covered important topics like making use of the resources available and finding the courage to be open with those they can trust.
During Thursday’s session, Ms Amal Blooshi highlighted some of the key initiatives designed to improve the mental health of children and adolescents, outlining how mental health is aligned with the UAE government agenda. Dr. Ebrahim, on the other hand, emphasized the role of ECA in promoting and supporting child development and wellbeing from pregnancy to the age of 8 years.
Dr Ammar Albanna, who is also the head of the IACAPAP 2022 organising committee, said the event was a resounding success: “The IACAPAP World Congress was a huge success and would not have been possible without the unwavering support of the UAE’s visionary leadership and numerous other public and private organizations. I am delighted that this event demonstrated Al Jalila’s ongoing support of mental health in addition to facilitating crucial discussions surrounding mental health.”
“Meanwhile, Dr. Daniel Fung, the president of IACAPAP, said: “The event’s goal of starting a crucial conversation about mental health services for the young in this part of the world was accomplished. It also demonstrated the concentrated efforts that numerous organizations around the globe are making to prevent mental illness, support, empower and rehabilitate youths with mental illnesses.”
“The event covered a wide range of topics, including recent developments in psychological rehabilitation and numerous initiatives by public and private sector stakeholders. I want to thank Al Jalila Children’s for holding such a significant event and for giving professionals networking opportunities,” he added.
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