Boladale Mapayi was invited as a participant by the Academy of Medical Sciences, one of the UK’s National Academies, and the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) to a joint policy workshop exploring mental health in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The workshop brought together key stakeholders from across sub-Saharan Africa and the UK to stimulate thinking around mental health in the region, reviewing the current evidence on multisectoral and life-course approaches for mental health; identifying research innovations and interventions that could provide solutions to strengthen health systems for mental health; and outlining priority research areas and opportunities for collaboration.

The 1.5-day policy workshop was followed by an additional capacity building workshop which focused on researcher development and enabled the participants to share and discuss good practices and opportunities for researchers building their careers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

We had sessions on models of mentoring, coaching, and peer support, as well as regional networks that offer learning and support opportunities, and how to improve and formalise career pathways for researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The event took place at Sandton hotel, Johannesburg, South Africa, on 21-22 November 2022.