David M. NdeteiMBChB (Nrb), DPM (London), MRCPsych. (UK),

FRCPsych. (UK), MD (Nrb), DSc (Nrb)Certificate in Psychotherapy (London)

Professor of Psychiatry, University of Nairobi (UoN)

&Founding Director,

Africa Mental Health Foundation

Message from the Conference Convener

Peter C. Alderman

WELCOME TO THE 8TH ANNUAL PAN-AFRICAN PCAF PSYCHOTRAUMA CONFERENCE ON “MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO TRAUMA”.

Peter C. Alderman

• We have a rich scientific programme encompassing diverse fields of research, study and practice towards a multi-disciplinary approach to trauma interventions. There is indeed something for everybody!

• In honour of Peter C. Alderman, whose life was brutally cut short as a result of the September 11th, 2001 terrorist bombings of the twin towers in United States, this conference is a forum to discuss and address how individual victims, families and entire communities affected by trauma can find hope and healing.

Peter C. Alderman

• This forum appropriately brings together students, faculty, researchers, consumers, policy makers, clinicians and other stakeholders in mental health to discuss what is common amongst them.

• We welcome you to engage with the speakers and participate fully during the sessions.

Peter C. Alderman

• This year’s conference has been organized by Africa Mental Health Foundation (AMHF) in collaboration and immense support of the Peter C. Alderman Foundation.

• Africa Mental Health Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to research for evidence-based interventions in mental, neurological and substance use disorders.

Peter C. Alderman

• The goal of the Foundation is the realization of affordable, accessible, appropriate and available mental health services for all.

• This kind of forum is therefore in line with the calling of AMHF.

• We should all join hands in thanking the Alderman family for their very big heart in selflessly raising nearly all contribution and support for this conference.

• PLEASE JOIN ME IN CLAPPING FOR THEM WITH A STANDING OVATION

• They are the paramount sponsor and a global role model family. Thank you so much Steve and Liz.

Peter C. Alderman

• This conference would not have been possible without the dedicated staff at AMHF who worked out all the logistical details.

• Special appreciation to Rhodah Mwangi, Lucy Wambui, Rebecca Wambua, Dr. Abednego Musau, Christine Musyimi, Catherine Nge’tich, Erick Nandoya and my personal assistant Grace Mutevu, Rebecca Wambua, Daniel Kyalo all of them working under the overall oversight of Dr. Victoria Mutiso.

• Indeed, nearly all staff at the Foundation played significant roles.

Peter C. Alderman

• Organizing an International Conference like this one comes with many challenges.

• Most important of these are issues of security.

• I would therefore like to thank most profoundly the Catholic University of Eastern Africa and through them the security teams of this country for their most invaluable inputs to make us safe to the extent humanly possible and also for hosting us in this beautiful setting – I salute them all.

Peter C. Alderman

• I would also like to thank the other sponsors namely Mt. Kenya University and my own University of Nairobi and the goodwill of the Ministry of Health.

• There were other people who also gave us support in various ways and I owe them immense gratitude.

9th Annual Pan-African PCAF Psychotrauma Conference

• We now welcome you to the 9th Annual Pan-African PCAF Psychotrauma Conference which is planned to take place at this same venue (the Catholic University of Eastern Africa) from 18th – 22nd July, 2016, with the theme “Psychotrauma: Prevention, Recovery and Post-Trauma Growth through the Trans-generational spread".

• The conference announcement is a bookmark in the registration package.

Peter C. Alderman

Thank you all and enjoy the conference

Peter C. Alderman