The Healing Conversations: A Counsellor’s Journey Through Kashmir’s Mental Health Landscape

The first rays of dawn break over the mountains as Naseer Mir Ahmad begin his morning. A brisk two-kilometer walk through his neighborhood, the crisp air filling his lungs as he mentally prepares for the day ahead. For Naseer, a counsellor educator with Doctors Without Borders India/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Kashmir, each day … Read more

Breaking Silence, Building Trust: A Day with MSF’s Community Mental Health Team in Kashmir

The morning sun rises over the green mountains of Kashmir as Taheem Jafar prepares for another day as a community mental health worker with Doctors Without Borders India/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). It’s 9:00 AM, and she’s already gathering her materials—information leaflets, her diary, and a pen in one of the Primary Health Centers (PHC) in … Read more

Breaking Barriers: Supporting Mental Health in Kashmir

In a small consultation room in Kashmir, Nadia Ishfaq listens intently as a one of the MSF counsellor discusses one case and speaks about the challenges. As a clinical psychologist working as a Mental Health Supervisor with Doctors Without Borders India/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Nadia leads a team of professionals providing mental healthcare across the … Read more

Kashmir: Brushstrokes of hope

In the heart of Kashmir, where the beauty of nature meets the complexities of human experiences, Isha Malik wields an unusual palette – one that paints not just canvases, but also the landscape of mental health. As a clinical psychologist with Doctors Without Borders India/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), Isha’s journey is a testament to … Read more

How providing healthcare in challenging circumstances changed Dr Peningry’s perspective

In Manipur, Dr Peningry Warngam Tongsin works as a Medical Doctor with Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF), providing treatment for HIV, tuberculosis (TB), hepatitis C, and co-infections. Working with MSF has transformed her understanding of healthcare delivery in remote regions with limited access to medical services. A Journey Inspired by Compassion Dr Peningry’s path … Read more

National Doctor’s Day: Bringing hope to advanced HIV patients in Patna

Patna, India- Every day in the Garima ki Kiran, advance HIV clinic at Guru Gobind Singh Hospital in Patna, Dr Rajesh Durairaj witnesses both struggle and triumph. As we mark National Doctors ‘ Day, his story offers a window into the critical work Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) provides for some of Bihar’s most … Read more

India: How Deepak Shegar overcame DR-TB to reclaim his dreams

Mumbai, India- “When I recover, I want to play cricket,” says Deepak Shegar, a 23-year-old whose aspirations extend far beyond his battle with drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). With dreams of a career in the garment industry, a love for cricket, and a desire for a brand-new bike, Deepak’s journey to pursue his goals has been long … Read more

Namrata’s journey: triumph over drug-resistant Tuberculosis

Mumbai, India- Namrata’s story is a testament to the timeless principle that consistency is crucial. Her disciplined approach to maintaining a routine, embracing a healthy lifestyle, and adhering to medication regimens demonstrates that even formidable conditions like drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB) can be overcome. In 2016, Namrata was employed at a daycare in an international school … Read more

India: Bringing mental health support to Kashmir

Since 2001, MSF has been offering free, high-quality counselling services to individuals in Kashmir. Our dedicated teams currently operate in hospitals across four districts: Baramulla, Bandipora, Pulwama, and Srinagar. To tackle the stigma surrounding mental illness, MSF actively works to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and the necessity for accessible mental health … Read more

MSF’s patient-centred approach: Home-based TB care in Manipur

Manipur has a high prevalence of HIV, TB (both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB) and hepatitis C. Due to lack of resources, there is also a high incidence of co infection in the state. In cases of co-infection, each disease speeds up the progress of the other, making the patient more vulnerable and the treatment more … Read more