Experience

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  Unops

  Oct 2003 - Feb 2004

  Resident in psychiatry

  Residency (4 month) at the neuropsychiatric hospital “Ali Mihali”.• Programme of Activities in Support of the Albanian and Refugee Population (PASARP) Pilot Project, aiming to dissolve the institutions (mental hospitals) and to create territorial services.• Psychiatric assistance, medical staff training, rehabilitation.

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  Italian agency for development cooperation - kampala

  Jan 2005 - Dec 2006

  Health programme consultant

  • Taught as Visiting Teacher at Gulu University – Faculty of Medicine, for the following courses: Mental Health (III year), Psychology (II year), HIV-counselling (III year).• Coordinator of the course of HIV-counselling at Gulu University – Faculty of Medicine.• Liaison officer for: Gulu Hospital, Lacor Hospital, Gulu University, Italian Cooperation.

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  Merlin

  Jan 2007 - Jun 2007

  Medical training officer

  • Coordinated all Merlin-implemented medical trainings in Primary Health Care, HIV/AIDS, Gender-Based Violence and at Kindu Hospital in DRC.• Performed quality assessment of Merlin implementation in Maniema Region.

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  Ricerca e cooperazione

  Jul 2007 - Oct 2009

  Project manager

  • Managed Chifundo project on prevention of the transmission of HIV and home-based care of PLWHA in the districts of Balaka, Machinga and Mangochi.• In charge of administration, human resources, staff trainings, funds (total budget: approx. Euro 1,400,000).• Prepared and submitted financial reports to the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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  World health organization

  Nov 2009 - Feb 2016

  • Strengthened regional capacity in the area of substance abuse.• Contributed and supported development of a regional program for reducing harmful use of alcohol and other substances and associated public health consequences.• Reviewed studies and supported regional research in the area of harmful use of alcohol and other substances.• Collected, reviewed and selected tools and training materials developed by WHO focusing on data collection, evaluation and treatment of substance related harm.• Contributed to provide support and guidance to selected countries in the development of national policy and strategic plans and programs related to alcohol and drugs at country level.• Collaborate with network of experts, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), NGOs and other partners on substance abuse issues. Show less • WHO responsible person for the integration of Mental Health into Primary Health Care through the implementation of the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP).• Led the implementation of Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) in Ethiopia: 3- year grant co-funded by European Commission and Fondation d’Harcourt (Geneva-based foundation). Produced activity and financial reports. • Technically contributed to the elaboration and launching of the 4-year National Mental Health Strategic Plan and the Mental Health Act.• Established partnership in mental health with relevant stakeholders; facilitated the signing of six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Health and Academic institution.• Coordinated the WHO MHPSS response in the South-Sudanese refugee camps in Gambella region. Established MHPSS partnership between Ethiopia and South Sudan. • From August 2014, Non-communicable disease (NCD) coordinator. Show less

  • Regional Advisor, Alcohol and Substance Abuse

    Nov 2014 - Feb 2016

  • Mental Health Programme Officer

    Feb 2011 - Nov 2014

  • Mental Health Programme Officer

    Nov 2009 - Feb 2011
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  Pan american health organization

  Feb 2016 - Aug 2020

  Advisor, mental health and substance abuse

  • WHO-PAHO mental health advisor for 10 South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela)• Providing technical support in the development of mental health policies, plans and legislations. • Strengthening regional capacity in the area of mental health and substance abuse, including capacity of mental health leaders, decision makers, influencers and mental health professionals. • Leading the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in South America.• Promoting and supporting the implementation of deinstitutionalization of psychiatric hospitals. • Providing leadership in the implementation of mhGAP in South America. • Coordinating and facilitating the implementation of various WHO initiatives with service providers, service users and family members. Show less

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  World health organization

  Sept 2020 - now

  • Formulate regional programmes, programme budget, identify priorities, implement, monitor and document achievements on mental, neurological and substance use disorders. • Support Member States in revising/developing policies, plans and legislations on mental, neurological and substance use disorders. • Support Member States in assessing the mental health needs and in assessing the treatment gap for mental, neurological and substance use disorders and preparing regional strategies to support the development of national action plans. • Provide technical support for sustaining improvement in mental health and well-being by facilitating strategy development, generating evidence, capacity development and advocacy. • Ensure the coordination and exchange of information with headquarters, other regional offices relevant ministries and organizations. • Prepare administrative and technical reports as necessary. Show less

  • Regional Advisor, Mental Health, South-East Asia

    Jul 2022 - now

  • Mental Health Technical Officer

    Sept 2020 - Aug 2022