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Building capacity in identification and management of mood disorders: an Australia–Sri Lanka collaboration

Objective: This paper describes a collaborative capacity-building project in the identification and management of mood disorders, involving the Black Dog Institute in Sydney, Australia, and several organizations in Sri Lanka, and presents the qualitative evaluation findings. Method: The two-year project comprised an initial intensive educational program delivered at the Institute with follow-up via email and an online forum (Phase 1), and continuing collaboration with the eight Sri Lankan clinicians and their respective organizations to build awareness of mood disorders and train others in Sri Lanka (Phase 2). Results: The eight trainees planned and executed several joint and separate activities during Phase 2, with an emphasis on raising awareness of mood disorders and health professional training. Evaluations of the local training activities were very positive. Conclusions: The collaborative, systematic and systemic approach, and the train-the-trainer model adopted, has worked well. This project has built capacity in mood disorders among mental health clinicians in Sri Lanka, including those working in primary care. It has contributed to the implementation of national mental health policy, strengthened local networks and established new connections with Australian institutions. ‘North–south’ collaborations such as this would make good investments for international bodies and development agencies.