With many important developments going on around the world in regard to our appreciation of the enormity of the challenges posed by mental health conditions as well as the possibilities of responding to those challenges, this is an opportune time to reflect on how the continent of Africa is fairing. The theme of our conference is an invitation to researchers within and outside the continent to reflect and share their views on these issues.
Lagos of course has its own peculiar challenges as well! But the city is not only rising to those challenges, it is also providing an example of how challenges can be turned to opportunities. Our meeting presents an opportunity to experience Lagos in its unique position as a mega city and feel the boisterousness of life there.
The African Association of Psychiatrists and Allied Professionals has maintained its reputation of holding its annual meetings unfailingly irrespective of the challenges of doing so in a continent still grappling with various social and economic problems. Indeed, our meetings have provided an avenue for deliberating on those problems and proffering solutions. Lagos 2012 will not be an exception. The 2012 meeting will be enriched by its joint hosting by the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria which has had an unbroken record of annual meetings for over three decades.
