Our Impact

Theory  of Change Workshop video, Oct 2023

 Mention of PROMISE project in BJPsych International’s editorial (November 2023)

Prof David Skuse, in his November 2023 editorial of BJPsych International, drew attention to the recently published paper by Kokota et al:

I was particularly struck by the revelation in the article on the management of psychosis in Malawi that up to 60% of caregivers of people with psychosis initially seek help for their relative from traditional healers. The authors emphasise that traditional and religious beliefs and practices continue to play a large role in the pathway to care. These systems are integral to the core values and belief systems of Malawian culture and should not be ignored

BJI_20_4_Articles_1 77..91 (cambridge.org)

 Mention of PROMISE project in MIA’s article (Jan 2024)

Justin Karter, Research News Editor, draws attention to how PROMISE project incorporates the insights of people with psychosocial disabilities into mental health care in Malawi.

How the PROMISE Project is Reshaping Mental Health Research and Psychosis Care in Malawi (madinamerica.com)

PROMISE presentations

Our PROMISE colleagues in Malawi, Lucinda Manda-Taylor and Wakumanya Sibande, presented at the Research Dissemination Conference hosted by Kamazu University of Health Sciences in Nov 2023. They showcased the project’s participatory action research workshops using PhotoVoice.

AFIDEP at the 2023 Kamuzu University of Health Sciences research dissemination seminar - African Institute for Development Policy - AFIDEP

Several PROMISE team members made presentations at a joint Academy of Medical Sciences and Academy of Science South Africa workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa in November 2022.

PROMISE was held up as an example of good practice and the report from that meeting advocates several aspects of the research approach in PROMISE, particularly the need for multi-sectoral response:

https://acmedsci.ac.uk/more/news/collaborating-globally-to-build-researcher-capacity-and-boost-mental-health-research

It is also noteworthy that the Africa CDC (part of AU) launched an African Mental Health strategy last year. They seek credible evidence to help lobby for more mental health funding in AU member states.

https://africacdc.org/download/africa-cdc-non-communicable-diseases-injuries-prevention-and-control-and-mental-health-promotion-strategy-2022-26/

Several presentations about PROMISE have been made at the University of Edinburgh, the Kamazu University of Health Sciences and Malawi Mental Health conferences. 

We have also participated in ‘Pint of Science’ and Diagnosis public engagement events.