A unique community-based pilot programme titled “Assessing the Feasibility, Acceptability and Preliminary Outcomes of a Community-Based Maternal Mental Health Programme for Antenatal and Postnatal Depression in Sri Lanka” was officially launched in Galle on the 19th. The primary objective of the inaugural stakeholder meeting was to engage relevant stakeholders and obtain their expert guidance and recommendations.
The project is being implemented by the Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD) and is funded through the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) in Colombo.
The main aim of this pilot study is to identify evidence-based solutions to reduce the adverse effects of maternal depression, a condition that affects approximately one in five mothers in Sri Lanka and has significant consequences for both mothers and their children.
As part of the pilot project, Public Health Midwives (PHMs) working at the community level will receive specialised training. This will facilitate the more effective implementation of the “Thinking Healthy Programme”, an intervention designed to support the management of maternal mental health at the grassroots level.
The inaugural event was held under the patronage of Professor Susiripala Manawaduwa, Governor of the Southern Province, and was attended by a distinguished gathering of experts and professionals from the health, administrative, and academic sectors.
The following individuals provided professional and academic contributions and shared their insights to support the successful implementation of the programme:
Professor Athula Sumathipala – Director, Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)
Dr. Oshini Sri Jayasinghe – Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)
Dr. N.G.S. Panditharathna – Director of Health Services, Southern Province
Dr. T.B. Wimalasena – Deputy Director of Health Services, Southern Province
Dr. Prasad Ranawera – Regional Director of Health Services, Galle
Dr. Amila Chandrasiri – Consultant Community Physician, Office of the Regional Director of Health Services, Galle
Professor Harshini Rajapaksha – Professor of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna
Dr. Rumi Ruben – Consultant Psychiatrist, National Hospital, Galle
Dr. Asanka Singarage – District Mental Health Coordinating Medical Officer, Galle
Professor Thyagi Ponnamperuma – Professor of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna
Professor Champa Wijesinghe – Professor of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna
Dr. Chandani Senadheera – Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ruhuna
Dr. Ranjith Dharmakeerthi – Deputy Director, German Friendship Hospital
Dr. Duminda Akmeemana – Deputy Director, National Hospital, Galle
Dr. P.H.P. Gajanayake – Medical Officer (Planning), National Hospital, Galle
Dr. Dhanuja Mahesh – Consultant Psychiatrist, Asiri Hospital
Ms. Ayesha Kariyawasam – Additional District Secretary, Galle District Secretariat
Dr. Prabath Nanayakkara – Representative of the Sri Lanka College of General Practitioners (designation incomplete in the original text)
The experts attending the event highlighted that this innovative initiative has the potential to make a significant contribution to safeguarding maternal mental health at the community level and improving the wellbeing of mothers and their families.
Media Unit
Institute for Research and Development in Health and Social Care (IRD)
