Three structured Training of Trainers programs produced 64 certified mhGAP trainers from five target districts and partner organizations, forming the foundation of Bangladesh's district-level mental health capacity-building initiative.
As the first phase of an 18-month mhGAP capacity-building initiative, the Telepsychiatry Research and Innovation Network (TRIN), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), and the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital (NIMH), conducted a series of Training of Trainers (ToT) programs to build a sustainable pool of certified mhGAP trainers across Bangladesh.
The first five-day ToT was held at BRAC Centre Inn, Mohakhali, Dhaka, inaugurated by Professor Dr. Mahbubur Rahman of NIMH and Dr. Mostafizur Rahman from DGHS. Two additional ToT programs were subsequently held at the National Institute of Mental Health and Hospital.
All sessions were facilitated by experienced psychiatrists and clinical psychologists and followed WHO guidelines, incorporating interactive methodologies including role plays, group activities, video demonstrations, and case-based discussions.
In total, the three ToT programs produced 64 certified mhGAP trainers — 41 from the five target districts and 23 from NIMH, WHO, TRIN, and other partner organizations.
