Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
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  5. Global Mental Health 

Global Mental Health 

Head: PD Dr. Andrea Jobst

Mental health is finally being recognized as a global health priority. Despite 14% of the global burden of disease being attributed to mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, many parts of the world, especially Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs), remain severely underserved in terms of mental health care. People suffering from mental disorders in these regions are particularly vulnerable to physical and psychological abuse. The Global Mental Health Research Group aims to improve global mental health by fostering education and dialogue between High-Income Countries (HICs) and LMICs. It firmly supports the belief that “there is no health without mental health.” Moving forward, we will continue working diligently to strengthen ties between countries of all income levels and advocate for thoughtful, sustainable, and effective strategies in the field of global mental health.

The Global Mental Health Research Group is a board member and key focus area of the CIHLMU Center for International Health at the University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany. The CIHLMU Center for International Health was established in 2009 through a call for proposals by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), under the “University Excellence in Development Cooperation - exceed” program, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). With a mission to build capacity in training and research, the CIHLMU Center for International Health seeks to improve health conditions in LMICs by promoting medical education and research, with the overarching vision of empowering health professionals. It supports the local training of medical professionals and the development of innovative curricula that take into account local conditions and needs. With this support, partner universities are able to define their own training and research priorities, integrate into international knowledge networks, and implement their research findings.

Main areas of interest:

  • Development of Global Mental Health education programs
  • Capacity building in low- and middle-income settings
  • International research cooperations focusing on the 2030 agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
  • Global Mental Health networking
  • Transcultural psychiatry
  • Antistigma work
  • Sequalae of global migration
  • Conflict response and recovery from conflict associated trauma with a focus to vulnerable populations


This initiative, founded in respond to the current conflict situation in Ethiopia and supported by the Clinton Foundation, is a holistic approach rooted in the One Health principle, which acknowledges the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment. Partnership with organizations such as WeForest, Vivo International, Mekelle University, and Permachive to address these multifaceted challenges. The approach involves providing substantial support and training, focusing on agricultural inputs, mental health services (esp. Narrative Exposure Therapy), and sustainable practices.

Advanced Module in Global Mental Health

In cooperation with the division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine - Teaching and Training Unit (T&TU) and the CIHLMU Center for International Health we organize the annual advanced training course “Mental Health in Low- and Middle-Income Settings”, which is open for post-graduate students in the field of International and Global Health. The course is accredited by the TropEd Network for Higher Education Institutions in International Health.

Global Mental Health Symposia

The Global Mental Health Research Group engages the international community on issues related to global mental health. This includes the annual organization of the International Symposium on Global Mental Health in Developing Countries, in cooperation with i.nez, which took place at the Department of Psychiatry, LMU Munich, from 2009 to 2021. The event continues as the yearly One Health Conference in Addis Ababa, co-coordinated with St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College.

Epidemiology, neurobiological markers and genetic

Collaboration with the Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics (IPPG) and the Epidemiology and Laboratory Department at JU for large scale genetico-epidemiological studies on substance abuse, trauma and psychosis. The aim is to support young scientist, transfer know-how, establish new research methods, and to strengthen the professional profile of psychiatry.

GMH Psychiatry LMU
Anselm Skogstad 

  • Collaborations and clinical partnerships with academic institutions in Africa:

    Jimma University, Ethiopia

    The Global Mental Health Research Group has established a close partnership with the Department of Psychiatry at Jimma University (JU) in southwestern Ethiopia. With the support of CIHLMU, JU initiated a two-year Master’s program (MSc) in Integrated Clinical and Community Mental Health in 2009, aimed at training non-physician clinicians to improve decentralized mental health services across Ethiopia and contribute to capacity building and knowledge dissemination. Alumni are now working across the country. Additionally, the collaboration has focused on culturally sensitive and appropriate psychosocial and psychotherapeutic interventions, anti-stigma work, and evaluation of training curricula.

    Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia

    Collaborative project with the Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Addis Ababa University, to support the mental health of youth through the development and promotion of an anti-stigma intervention at Addis Ababa's high schools. Funded by a CIHLMU network grant.

    St. Paul´s Hospital Millenium Medical College Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

    Collaborative project with the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at St. Paul´s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, to support children´s and adolescent mental health by promoting WHO´s caregivers skills trainings for caregivers of children with developmental disorders.

    Local Mental Health Network, Ethiopia

    To strengthen a mental health network within Ethiopia, the Global Mental Health Research Group has developed annual Network Meetings across Ethiopia since 2015, which bring together alumni, local, and international health care workers to discuss challenges and share ideas.

    Hargeisa University, Somaliland

    Collaborative project for a cascade training model and supervision using WHO´s mhGAP train-the-trainer approach and work-place based supervision. Funded by a grant of the African Medical Education and Research Network (AMEAR) funded by the Bavarian State Chancellery, Munich, Germany.

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