The African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), in collaboration with Wellcome, has announced the launch of the Mental Health Data Prize-Africa 2024. This innovative initiative aims to address critical gaps in understanding anxiety, depression, and psychosis across the continent. Up to ten prizes of £200,000 each will be awarded, accompanied by a year of funding, to innovators, researchers, and startups developing data-driven insights and scalable digital tools tailored to the African context.
The call for applications, open from July 1 to 30, 2024, follows a rigorous five-month virtual capacity-building program that engaged over 1,300 participants from across Africa. This program equipped participants with essential skills in data science, evidence-based policy, AI, and causal inference, fostering the formation of multidisciplinary teams poised to tackle mental health challenges.
Dr. Catherine Kyobutungi, Executive Director of APHRC, underscored the prize’s transformative potential: "The Mental Health Data Prize-Africa 2024 is more than a competition; it's a catalyst for Africa's brightest minds to pioneer innovative solutions in mental health care." Emphasising the importance of data-driven insights, the initiative seeks to enhance understanding and develop effective prevention, treatment, and management strategies for mental health disorders prevalent across Africa.
Recent research by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention highlights a significant rise in mental health disorders on the continent, yet disparities persist in utilising data-driven approaches to address these issues effectively.
Dr Ekin Bolukbasi, Data Prize Manager at Wellcome, expressed optimism about the impact of the prize: "The enthusiastic response to our capacity-building program underscores the growing recognition of data's role in revolutionising mental health research. We anticipate innovative solutions that will address gaps in understanding and evidence-based interventions for anxiety, depression, and psychosis in Africa."
The Mental Health Data Prize-Africa 2024 aims to foster collaboration among African researchers and innovators to develop scalable tools and interventions that cater to the continent's specific needs. Applicants are encouraged to submit their proposals here to contribute to advancing mental health research and improving outcomes across Africa.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo/Google
Comment