Improving mental health services in Malawi through leadership support
Official title: Aligning facility leadership and climate to advance mental health services integration in Malawi
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11075353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about making mental health care better in Malawi by training local leaders to promote and use effective treatments, so that more people can get the help they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $964,486 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH133028-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals in Malawi who are experiencing mental health issues, particularly those affected by conditions like depression and anxiety.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside of Malawi or those not experiencing mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the integration of mental health services into existing medical care in Malawi by empowering local leaders and staff. It employs a strategy that identifies 'champions' within healthcare facilities who will advocate for and implement evidence-based mental health treatments. The study aims to align organizational priorities and climate to support these champions effectively, utilizing proven leadership coaching techniques. By addressing the barriers to mental health service utilization, the research seeks to close the treatment gap in low- and middle-income countries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve access to and quality of mental health services for patients in Malawi.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing similar leadership-driven strategies in healthcare settings, particularly in high-income countries, but this approach is relatively novel in low- and middle-income contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pence, Brian W — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Pence, Brian W
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.