During a meeting in Istanbul (Turkey) in November 2011 led by Panos Vostanis (the UK at that time), Olayinka Atilola (Nigeria), Yatan Pal Singh Balhara (India), Avicenna Mohamad (Indonesia), and Dejan Stevanovic (Serbia) set the roots of the ICMH-SG. We had a question: might there be a way to do something innovative for various disciplines dealing with CAMH by including practitioners and researchers from undeveloped and developing countries? In the following months, we established the ICMH-SG and started the first research project. Over the next ten years, nearly 300 individuals from 21 countries have contributed to our projects, articles, or reports generated on behalf of the ICMH-SG, data collection, interpretations, analyses, and logistics. The ICMH-SG has included early career and senior clinicians and researchers from various professional disciplines and different interests and expertise. A network of people has been created, who are now the driving force of the ICMH-SG. As a result, the ICMH-SG has grown into a trustworthy and sustainable network with the potential to develop further.
ICMH-SG’s goals
Organizing and supporting cross-cultural research in CAMH, converging various disciplines and different world regions.
Facilitating the communication of ideas, discoveries, and evidence in CAMH.
Encouraging activities of various countries, predominantly undeveloped and developing, and coordinating the development of joint research standards in the field.
Encouraging and supporting early-career scientists to do cross-cultural CAMH research.
Collaborating with other local and international networks and associations interested in CAMH and providing guidance and information to others and the public on matters related to CAMH.
ICMH-SG’s objectives
Organizing and delivering cross-cultural and international research studies in psychology, psychiatry, neuroscience, sociology, and other disciplines related to CAMH.
Organizing educational activities pertained to CAMH in undeveloped and developing regions and countries worldwide.
Supporting evidence-based clinical and community-based service for CAMH.
Disseminating information about CAMH in undeveloped and developing regions/countries through journals, books, newsletters, blogs, and other means of communication.
Contributing to initiatives aimed at improving ethical standards in CAMH service and research.
Collaborating with and participating in the activities of other national and international CAMH and allied organizations.