Global Mental Health and Public Health Research, Education, Policy and Community-Based Services
The Global Institute of Human Development (GIHD) is a not-for-profit mental health and public health research institute in Islamabad. We run six accredited programmes across two campuses and deliver mental health services directly to communities, workplaces and schools across Pakistan.
Research, education, policy and services that reinforce each other
Findings from our field research directly inform our teaching, and the professionals we train go on to serve the same communities where that research is conducted.
Research that shapes global health policy
GIHD runs cluster-randomised field trials, systematic reviews and multi-country studies, published in journals including The Lancet and BMJ Open. Our 2024 Lancet trial in Rawalpindi produced the evidence WHO used to adopt the EASE programme for global implementation.
WHO EASE Programme · Lancet 2024EASE: Early Adolescent Skills for Emotions
Multi-Country · MRC UK FundedBeing: Innovating for Young People's Wellbeing
Oxford · Wellcome TrustChild Anxiety Support (Oxford OSI)
Effectiveness of a group psychological intervention to reduce psychosocial distress in adolescents in Pakistan: cluster RCT
Dr. Usman Hamdani, Dr. Zill-e Huma et al.
Read PaperImproving psychosocial distress for young adolescents in rural schools of Pakistan: study protocol of a cluster randomised controlled trial
Dr. Usman Hamdani, Dr. Zill-e Huma et al.
Read PaperCost-effectiveness of WHO Problem Management Plus for adults with mood and anxiety disorders in a post-conflict area of Pakistan: randomised controlled trial
Dr. Usman Hamdani, Dr. Zill-e Huma et al.
Read PaperEducation rooted in field research
Courses run across two institutes at our Islamabad and Rawalpindi campuses, covering psychology, public health, nursing, midwifery and family medicine.
Institute of Psychology, Health and Society (IPHS)
Institute of Public Health Nursing and Midwifery (IPHNM)
GIHD Collaborative Programmes
Services for communities and organisations
GIHD's services turn research findings into direct care, from the MCH Center's maternal and child health clinics to HAT's digital mental health tools.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Center
Health Applications of Technology (HAT)
From evidence to national policy
Over the past decade, GIHD's research has shaped WHO's global EASE programme and helped bring child and adolescent mental health into Pakistan's Universal Health Coverage Benefit Package. It has also trained over 250 family physicians through a university-accredited programme and helped establish Pakistan's Technical Advisory Group on Climate Resilient Mental Health Systems.
GIHD's Rawalpindi trial led to WHO's global EASE rollout
EASE evidenceChild and adolescent mental health added to Pakistan's UHC package
School of UHCTurning UHC guidelines into a postgraduate training programme for doctors
Diploma in Family MedicinePutting mental health into Pakistan's climate change policy
Frequently asked questions
Questions about GIHD's research, programmes or services? Contact us at info@gihd.edu.pk
Latest from GIHD
Strengthening Pakistan's Frontline Health Systems Through Policy-Academia Integration
GIHD brought together policymakers, academics and frontline health workers to address systemic gaps in Pakistan's primary healthcare system.
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Child & Adolescent Mental Health Systems Across South Asia
A landscape analysis documenting mental health systems for children and adolescents across South Asia.
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World Mental Health Day 2025: GIHD's Commitment to Pakistan
GIHD marked World Mental Health Day 2025 with a statement on its ongoing work and programmes across Pakistan.
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