Migration & Health Seminar by MIGLOBA and ITM

The Institute of Tropical Medicine and the Network on Migration and Global Mobility (University of Antwerp)  hosted on the 23rd of November their 4th Edition seminar on migrant health, focusing on the topic of mental health among migrants.

The journey of migration — encompassing the stages of preparation, travel, transit, and settlement — poses numerous challenges that can significantly impact the mental well-being of individuals, placing them at a heightened risk of developing mental health issues. Extensive research has demonstrated an increased prevalence of mental health disorders, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorders, among migrant populations. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that mental health diagnoses and treatment methods may not universally apply, as different cultures and backgrounds can shape the manifestation of mental health concerns and coping strategies.

These matters raise important public mental health questions in culturally diverse societies. How can we effectively identify mental health issues within migrant groups? What steps can be taken to enhance mental health promotion, encompassing social integration and access to vital support services for those in need? Are standard services adequate, or is there a necessity for culturally tailored clinical care? How should mental health prevention programs be designed and implemented to address the specific needs of migrants?

This seminar addressed these questions and shed light on migrant mental health in Belgium through different presentations from experts from both the research and the clinical field, and by engaging the audience in interactive question & answer sessions.

We sincerely appreciate your attendance, active participation, and thoughtful questions during our collaborative event. Your contributions significantly enriched this 4th edition seminar on migration and mental health. We cordially invite you to view the photo gallery below, showcasing key moments from the event.

13:30 - 13:40    Arrival + coffee

13:40 - 13:50    Welcoming words

13:50 - 15:40    Mental Health through a transcultural lens

13:50 - 14:10     General Introduction on migration/diversity and mental health (Hanne Apers, University of Antwerp, MIGLOBA) 

14:10 - 14:30     Asylum seekers and mental health (Lukas Claus, University of Antwerp) 

14:30 - 14:50     Psychiatric Care for Asylum seekers (Laura Van De Vliet, Psychiatrist, POZAH)

14:50 - 15:10     Practices of Diversity & Cultural competent therapy from the lens of a migrant clinical psychologist (Brenda Anyango)

15:10 - 15:20    Q&A  

15:20 - 15:40     Coffee Break

15:40 - 17:00    Interventions to improve mental health among diverse populations – what works?

15:40 - 15:50    Interventions to improve the mental health or mental well-being of migrants and ethnic minority groups in Europe, a scoping review (Christiana Nöstlinger, Institute for Tropical Medicine)

15:50 - 16:10    Psychological aid at The Humanitarian Hub in Brussels (Maxime Renaud, Clinical Psychologist, Doctors without borders)

16:10 - 16:30    A group program on mental wellbeing in Dutch and Tigrinya (Ann Hendriks and Nikhat Sereke, Ericare)

16:30 - 16:50    Reactions to violence in Ukraine. An initiative on mental health organised by Ukrainian refugees for Ukrainian refugees (Empathia)

​16:50 - 17:00    Q&A

17:00 - 18:00    Reception + networking opportunities