Awareness Seminar Held in Connection with World Infant, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Day (WICAMHD) 2026
An important and purposeful awareness seminar was held at the Audio Visual Room, Patiala Block, King Edward Medical University (KEMU), Lahore, in connection with World Infant, Child & Adolescent Mental Health Day (WICAMHD) 2026. The theme of this year’s event, “Promoting Emotional Wellbeing in a Post-Pandemic World and Prevention of Suicide,” guided comprehensive discussions on the challenges faced by children and adolescents regarding mental health and their possible solutions.
The event was graced by the Vice Chancellor KEMU, Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz, and the CEO Mayo Hospital Lahore, Professor Dr. Shoaib Nabi Buzdar, who participated as patrons. The program was organized under the supervision of Professor Dr. Nazish Imran (Head, Child & Family Psychiatry, KEMU) and Professor Dr. Ali Madeeh Hashmi (Chairman, Department of Psychiatry, KEMU).
A distinguished panel of experts deliberated on critical issues including rising psychological stress, anxiety, depression, the impact of excessive screen time, academic and familial pressures, and increasing trends of suicide among children and adolescents. The esteemed panelists and guests included Professor M. Yaqoob Kazi (Former Dean, Institute of Public Health), Professor Samina Qamber Bukhari (Head, Department of Psychiatry, RLKU), Professor Tipu Sultan (Medical Director, Children’s Hospital Lahore and Professor of Child Neurology), Professor Dr. Faheem Afzal (Head, Department of Pediatrics, KEMU), Ms. Rabia Najam (Principal, Crescent Model School) and Ms. Iram Naqvi (Assistant Director Beconhouse) who shared valuable insights and practical recommendations based on their expertise and experience.
Participation from healthcare professionals and education specialists representing King Edward Medical University further enriched the session. Notable attendees included Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Muhammad Moin, Registrar Professor Dr. Syed Asghar Naqi and Professor Dr. Abrar Ashraf Ali, whose presence underscored the significance of the event.
In his address, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz emphasized that providing psychological support to children and adolescents has become an urgent necessity in the present era. He highlighted the need for structured systems within educational institutions and at the community level to ensure timely access to psychological help. He further stressed that suicide prevention requires early identification of warning signs, open communication with young individuals, and proactive engagement to prevent isolation. Addressing adolescent behavioral challenges, he noted that anger management has emerged as a critical concern, requiring formal training, counseling services, and the promotion of constructive activities.
Professor Dr. Nazish Imran stated that the post-pandemic period has significantly intensified mental health challenges among children and adolescents, particularly anxiety, depression, and social isolation. She emphasized the importance of strong coordination among parents, teachers, and healthcare professionals to ensure early identification and timely intervention. She further highlighted the need to strengthen counseling services within schools, create safe and supportive environments, and better understand the emotional needs of children.
Professor Dr. Ali Madeeh Hashmi, in his remarks, described suicide prevention as a multidimensional challenge that demands a comprehensive and coordinated strategy. He stressed the importance of raising awareness about mental health and eliminating societal stigma to encourage individuals to seek help without hesitation. He also pointed out key contributing factors such as academic pressure, social media influence, and family-related stress, advocating for the development of community-level support systems, helplines, and accessible mental health services.
At the conclusion of the seminar, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Mahmood Ayyaz distributed commemorative shields among the distinguished guests and panelists in recognition of their contributions. The event concluded with a renewed commitment to continue collective efforts for the promotion and protection of mental health among children and adolescents.