University of Karachi (KU), Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA), and the Department of Psychiatry at Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) have entered into a groundbreaking partnership to conduct in-depth research on suicidal cases in rural Sindh. The collaboration was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday at the KU Vice Chancellor’s Secretariat.
The primary goal of this tri-institutional MoU is to explore the genetic and psychological factors contributing to suicide in areas such as Tharparkar, Jamshoro, and Dadu. Research will be carried out at KU’s Department of Genetics, where DNA analysis will be conducted on the families of individuals who have either attempted or completed suicide. The aim is to identify any potential genetic links to mental health issues, such as depression or substance abuse.
As part of the agreement, the SMHA will be responsible for identifying mental health conditions within families, while the KU genetics department will handle the genetic analysis of collected biological samples. Meanwhile, DUHS’s psychiatry department will assist in case identification, data collection, and ensuring the smooth facilitation of the study. Before engaging with affected families, the KU genetics team, SMHA, and DUHS’s psychiatry department will collaboratively design a comprehensive survey questionnaire.
This will be used to collect biological samples and gather data for genetic examination. Dr. Karim Khawaja, President of the SMHA, addressed the gathering, shedding light on the rising suicide rates in Tharparkar and surrounding districts. He emphasized the urgency of tackling this pressing issue, acknowledging the significant role of KU, SMHA, and DUHS in understanding the factors driving these tragedies. Professor Dr. Farah Iqbal, the project coordinator from KU’s psychology department, highlighted the severe emotional toll that suicides take on families, underscoring the importance of mental well-being. Dr. Maqsood Ali Ansari, Chairperson of KU’s Department of Genetics, expressed hope that the research would provide insights into the high suicide rates observed in Tharparkar and neighboring areas. Dr. Ashar Afaq, Registrar of DUHS, conveyed the personal interest of DUHS Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Saeed Quraishy in the project.
Dr. Washdev from DUHS’s psychiatry department noted the global increase in suicide rates following the COVID-19 pandemic, which also affected several districts in Sindh. Professor Dr. Anila Amber Malik, Chairperson of KU’s Psychology Department, expressed confidence that the research, supported by the combined efforts of three departments, would uncover the root causes of suicides in the region.
