Dr. Lukoye Atwoli leads mental health research locally and globally as an accomplished professor of psychiatry, a member of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys Consortium, and a leader with the African Association of Psychiatrists and the African College of Neuropsychopharmacology. He is a global technical director with the citiesRISE initiative, which aims to help make five cities—Nairobi, Chennai, Bogota, Seattle, and Sacramento—mental health friendly by empowering young people in these cities to increase connectedness, building resilience and hopefulness, and linking those in need to care.
Center director Joseph Kolars noted that the University of Michigan partnership with Aga Khan University has yielded a growing set of initiatives co-designed with colleagues in Kenya and Pakistan. "Dean Atwoli from AKU's East Africa Medical College in Nairobi has been an enthusiastic partner and champion of effective collaborations between institutions in the US and Kenya," Kolars said.
A psychiatrist by training, Atwoli is a recognized leader in advancing mental health, particularly in Africa. "We are fortunate to have Dr. Atwoli with us for several days to observe our culture, community, and resources here at the University of Michigan," Kolars said. "From these discussions, we hope to expand our collaborations, including a growing portfolio of research collaborations with faculty from across our university with colleagues in Kenya."
We are excited to welcome this valued partner to our campus, where he will lead two events:
Darkness to Light: 100 Years of Mental Health in Kenya
Wednesday, April 27, 2022
10:30am – 12:00pm via zoom
Psychiatry grand rounds with a leading figure in psychiatry and mental health in Africa.
Dr. Lukoye Atwoli, dean of the Medical College-East Africa, professor of Psychiatry, and associate director of the Brain and Mind Institute at Aga Khan University in Nairobi, will discuss the recent history of mental health in Kenya and existing opportunities for innovation and collaboration.
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Africa-US Collaborations in Health: Observations from Kenya
Thursday, April 28, 10–11am
Michigan League, Kalamazoo Room
Co-Sponsored by the African Studies Center and the Center for Global Health Equity
Dr. Atwoli will share reflections on collaborations between African and US partners that have advanced health in recent decades, including the AMPATH research network. This in-person discussion with a global health leader is a unique opportunity for anyone interested in health sciences research and other collaborations in Africa. Light refreshments will be served.
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