Pakistan Hosts First-Ever Infant Mental Health Conference: A Landmark for Healthcare in Pakistan
Islamabad — In a historic milestone for healthcare in Pakistan, the
Baby Matters Conference 2025, the country’s
first national conference on infant mental health, opened on Friday at the
Health Services Academy (HSA) in Islamabad.
The event marks a major step toward
integrating mental health care into national health priorities, with a specific focus on
early childhood development and
emotional well-being during the critical first years of life.
Government Commitment to Infant Mental Health in Pakistan
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr. Nelson Azeem chaired the opening ceremony, underscoring the
urgent need to embed infant mental health into Pakistan’s national health policy.
“Investing in the mental and emotional well-being of our youngest citizens is a critical investment in Pakistan’s future,” he said.
Dr. Azeem emphasized that
early mental health support lays the foundation for
healthier, more resilient communities, ultimately reducing
long-term health costs and social challenges.
Health Services Academy Establishes Department of Infant Mental Health
In a
landmark announcement, HSA confirmed the creation of a
dedicated Department of Infant Mental Health, the
first of its kind in Pakistan. This new department will:
- Promote research and training on early childhood mental health
- Develop culturally appropriate, evidence-based care models
- Support national policy development to integrate infant mental health into core healthcare services
International and National Collaboration for Infant Health
The
Baby Matters Conference 2025 brought together a diverse group of participants, including:
- International experts
- Pakistani professionals
- Students and midwifery trainees
The inaugural sessions provided valuable insights into the
latest research,
trauma-informed care practices, and
early relational health models. This
collaborative, multidisciplinary approach ensures that Pakistani healthcare professionals are equipped with
global best practices adapted for
local cultural contexts.
Focus on the First 1000 Days: A Critical Window for Healthcare in Pakistan
Organizers emphasized the importance of the
first 1000 days of life, a period widely recognized as essential for:
- Brain development
- Emotional regulation
- Physical health
- Learning capacity
- Future social relationships
Evidence shows that interventions during this window have the
greatest impact on lifelong health outcomes.
Capacity-Building for Healthcare Professionals and Families
The
Baby Matters Conference 2025 includes specialized training for:
- Parents and caregivers
- Educators and midwives
- Pediatricians and psychologists
- Psychiatrists and social workers
- Policy-makers
Sessions focus on
evidence-based,
culturally grounded approaches to infant mental health, aiming to ensure
every child in Pakistan receives the best possible start in life—emotionally, psychologically, and physically.
A Collaborative Effort for Pakistan’s Healthcare Future
Organized by:
- Health Services Academy University
- The Healing Triad
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning
The conference highlights a growing
national and international commitment to
child health outcomes in Pakistan.
By prioritizing
infant mental health, the government and its partners signal a
transformative shift in Pakistan’s healthcare landscape—one that
nurtures healthy minds from the very beginning.
