On 24-26 February 2023, Janssen South Africa Neuroscience in collaboration with the Africa Global Mental Health Institute (AGMHI) hosted the 1st African Neuroscience & Psychiatry Summit in Johannesburg. The aim of the hybrid event was to share medical and scientific knowledge and encourage impactful discussions, driving progressive change in the sub-Saharan African mental health space. This included highlighting pertinent neuroscientific aspects related to various psychiatric conditions focused on mood disorders and schizophrenia. The Summit welcomed mental health professionals from around the sub-Saharan African region, including Botswana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. 

Highlights from the opening day included a welcome from the President of South African Society of Psychiatrists (SASOP), Dr. Sebolelo Seape, and AGMHI Co-Director, Prof. Bonga Chiliza, as well as a presentation delivered by the General Manager of Janssen South Africa, Ahmed El Hofy. AGMHI Co-Director, Dr. David Henderson, was a guest speaker from the U.S. and presented a plenary session titled, "Understanding the role of metabolic syndrome in schizophrenia."