The Face of Depression in sub-Saharan Africa

Library Seminar Rooms 1 & 2, OU, Milton Keynes

International Development seminar presented by Professor Abebaw Fekadu (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia).

Abstract
Depression, despite its relatively long history, remains a major clinical and research conundrum. While some argue that it is a cultural artefact, others are convinced that it is one of the leading causes of disease burden. In his presentation, Professor Fekadu will argue that while – based on what we know – it is impossible to dismiss depression as a cultural artefact, there are significant uncertainties that have to be addressed to ensure that what we know is translated into patient benefit.

Referencing the historical evolution of the concept of depression in sub-Saharan Africa, and using clinical and epidemiological data, the seminar will highlight what we know, the limits of what we know and the way forward to improve care and research in sub-Saharan Africa.

Speaker
Abebaw Fekadu is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Head of the World Bank African Centre of Excellence in Therapeutic Discovery (CDT-Africa) at Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia. He is also an African Research Leader (the Medical Research Council/DfID, UK) and a fellow of the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences. In addition he serves on various committees, including WHO, National Commission for NCD and the Lancet Commission for the Future of Health in Africa.

Professor Fekadu graduated in Medicine from Addis Ababa University and trained in Psychiatry in Cardiff and at the Maudsley (UK). His research interests are in mood disorders, clinical trials and knowledge translation.