GILGIT - Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan (AKHS-P) on Saturday launched the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Integrated Mental Health Programme at the Aga Khan Hospital Gilgit to provide timely, accessible and confidential mental health support to the people of the region. The initiative will benefit over 226,000 people across Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral through a multi-sectoral approach spanning community, health, and education interventions. A major focus is the establishment of in-patient services at the Aga Khan Hospital Gilgit and Aga Khan Medical Centre, Booni (Chitral).

The integrated programme is a collaboration between AKHS-P and other agencies of AKDN including Aga Khan Education Service, Pakistan, Aga Khan University-Brain & Mind Institute, AKU-IED, AKU-Department of Psychiatry, Aga Khan Rural Support Program, Digital Human Resource Centre (DHRC), Aga Khan Health Board for Pakistan, and International Mental Health Task Force of the Department of Jamati Institutions. Moreover, the government of Gilgit-Baltistan through the Department of Health (DoH) and the Population/Social Welfare Department is a key stakeholder in implementing the integrated mental health programme.

Zafar Waqar Taj, Secretary Population/social Welfare, Women Development, Human & Child rights and Youth Affairs GB, served as the chief guest at the launch event. In his remarks, he stated: "Mental health issues are often stigmatised, and safe spaces for seeking help are limited.

I commend Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan, for taking the lead in addressing this urgent need through the Integrated Mental Health Programme. This initiative will ensure that individuals in Gilgit-Baltistan have access to confidential and professional support, and I am confident that AKHS-P's sustained efforts will make a lasting impact on our communities. The government of Gilgit-Baltistan will extend its full support to AKHSP in the implementation of AKDN Itigrated Mental Health Program."

In recent years, studies have shown an alarming burden of depression and anxiety in Pakistan. According to the World Health Organisation, mental disorders account for more than 4% of the total disease burden in Pakistan, and disproportionately affect women more than men. Particularly vulnerable groups are women in the perinatal period and youth. Nearly 40% of women in Pakistan in the perinatal period (pregnancy and postpartum) suffer from depressive disorder or anxiety. Similarly, studies from the region show that nearly 40% of those who have attempted suicide or have died by suicide suffered from depression. In Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral, in particular, high rates of suicide have been reported in recent years. It is estimated that 24 million people in Pakistan are in need of psychiatric assistance.

Ms Farida Shah, Head of Community Programs and Donor-Funded Projects at AKHS-P, emphasized the importance of government partnership, stating: "It boosts our confidence immensely that the governments of Gilgit-Baltistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have expressed concern and have always provided their support in addressing the looming mental health crisis. We look forward to working closely with them to make a lasting change."

Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan is a member of the AKDN, and has been providing quality health services in Gilgit-Baltistan since 1987. Recently, a number of new services have been introduced including advanced diagnostic services, ophthalmology, cardiology, nephrology, urology, and dermatology through AKH Gilgit and other facilities. It has also expanded teleconsulting to additional remote health facilities and through a mobile application.