The meetings of GCMHP international Academic Board, consisting of seven local, regional, and International organizations, were concluded. These meetings took place from the period of 19-21 of November at the meeting hall in El-Dera hotel in Gaza.

In the first meeting, Dr. Ryad El-Zanoun, the chairman of GCMHP Board of Directors, welcomed the Academic Board members and the attendance. Dr. Zanoun highlighted the services and activities of GCMHP in the area of mental health and human rights serving various target groups in the Palestinian society. Dr. Zanoun hoped for the Academic Board to continue to be a core support in developing the academic and professional standards of GCMHP.

Professor Wolters, the Chairman of the Academic Board, and professor of psychology at Utrecht University in Holland, talked about the high level of commitment assigned to the Board through offering on-going academic and professional consultations and support. Such support will be tailored to enhance the services offered by GCMHP in many different areas at the local and international levels. Professor Wolters emphasized the vital role of GCMHP in the areas of mental health and human rights, particularly capacity building and scientific research.

Over the meetings period, the attendance discussed many relevant issues including developing strategies to enhance scientific research and the monitoring and evaluation system of the activities. The attendance, also, discussed the professional advancement of GCMHP professionals through continuing education and training as well as providing scholarships to them in reputable international universities. Additionally, they discussed developing the post-graduate diploma in community mental health that is offered by GCMHP Training Department. The Board also discussed the issue of clinical supervision of professionals of GCMHP through setting a plan to raise the expertise and professionalism of the clinicians.

At the end of the meetings, the group agreed on many matters including getting proposals and plans by GCMHP and run them by the Board for discussion and recommendations, then approving the plans and endorsing them in the next Board meeting in April 2006.

In the closing of the meetings, Dr. El-Sarraj thanked the Academic Board for their continued support and their high level of commitment to the Programme over the years. Dr. El-Sarraj hoped for the continuation of their consultations and support for the vital role they occupy in improving the services and enhancing the professionalism of GCMHP staff.

Gaza Community Mental Health Programme