We are thrilled to announce the newest addition to our board of esteemed members, Dr. Marie Chantal Ingabire. Dr. Ingabire is a distinguished Rwandan mental health professional, researcher, and advocate with a profound commitment to advancing mental health in sub-Saharan Africa. Her dedication to addressing the pressing mental health challenges facing the region makes her a valuable asset to our organization.
Dr. Ingabire’s journey in the field of mental health has been characterized by a deep-seated passion for promoting well-being in a region marked by formidable social and economic challenges. She recognizes the direct correlation between these challenges and the high prevalence of mental health issues in sub-Saharan Africa. It is this understanding that fuels her determination to channel her expertise, energy, and unwavering commitment into enhancing mental health services, especially for young people and the marginalized sections of society.
At the heart of Dr. Ingabire’s mission lies the conviction that good mental health is not just an individual pursuit but a cornerstone of personal and societal well-being, development, and prosperity. Her academic journey attests to her dedication, holding a PhD in psychology with a mention of excellence from Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières. Her doctoral research, focused on the ‘Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma in Rwanda,’ showcases her expertise in understanding and addressing the complex mental health issues arising from conflict and adversity.
Dr. Ingabire’s academic prowess extends to her Master’s degree in psychology from Oxford Brookes University in the UK, complemented by another Master’s degree in global health delivery from the University of Global Health Equity. Her foundation in clinical psychology from Université Nationale du Rwanda further underscores her holistic approach to mental health care.
Currently serving as the General Coordinator for the Observatory of the Psychological Consequences of Armed Conflicts and Intergroup Violence (Psycavi) in Africa’s Great Lakes Region, Dr. Ingabire brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to our organization. Her role at Psycavi, an initiative of Université Laval, Québec City, Canada, exemplifies her commitment to understanding and mitigating the psychological toll of armed conflicts and violence in one of the world’s most volatile regions. Furthermore, since 2019, Dr. Ingabire has been a visiting lecturer at Université de Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she imparts her knowledge and fosters the growth of future mental health professionals.
Dr. Ingabire’s appointment to our board is a significant step forward in our mission to advance mental health services in Africa and beyond. Her exceptional qualifications, unwavering dedication, and global perspective align seamlessly with our organization’s vision.
We look forward to Dr. Ingabire’s contributions as a board member, and we are confident that her expertise will be instrumental in propelling our mission to new heights. Together, we aim to make mental health care accessible and transformative, reaching those who need it most in sub-Saharan Africa and around the world.