The Khyber Medical University (KMU) Institute of Public Mental Health & Behavioral Sciences (IPMH&BS) held a thought-provoking symposium titled “Climate Change & Mental Health,” highlighting the critical mental health challenges posed by environmental changes.
The event brought together leading experts to explore the profound psychological impacts of climate change, underscoring the urgent need for action. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Afzal Javed, Chairman of the Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre (PPRC) and former President of the World Psychiatric Association (WPA). A recipient of Pakistan’s Sitara-i-Imtiaz and the highest fellowship from the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Prof. Javed stressed the need to support vulnerable populations facing climate-induced mental health stress.
Joining him was Prof. Dr. Rubina Nazli, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Dean of Basic Medical Sciences at Khyber Medical University (KMU), who shared her insights into the intersection of climate change and public health. Prof. Dr. Khalid Mufti, a trailblazer in Pakistani psychiatry and an expert in geo-psychiatry, opened the symposium by emphasizing the interconnectedness of mental health and environmental stability. He shed light on the emotional toll climate change exacts on communities, particularly those most at risk.
Dr. Muhammad Faraz, Director of KMU IPMH&BS, orchestrated the symposium, reinforcing the institute’s dedication to addressing the mental health consequences of social and environmental transformations. The event attracted a diverse audience, including students, faculty, and mental health professionals, who actively engaged in discussions about climate change’s psychological impacts and the importance of proactive mental health interventions.
In his closing remarks, Assistant Professor Dr. Ali Ahsan Mufti of Horizon NGO, Peshawar, extended gratitude to participants, encouraging ongoing collaboration in mental health advocacy and research.
The symposium reaffirmed KMU’s commitment to championing mental health awareness amidst contemporary global challenges and fostering a forward-thinking approach to public mental health education.
