Amplifying indispensable voices
An interview with Evans Binan Dami, MHPSS Programme Coordinator at IOM - UN Migration
Bridging the gap between practice and research is vital in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). Through Intervention Journal’s academic writing workshop, Evans Binan Dami rediscovered research as a powerful tool to amplify local voices and strengthen evidence-based practices.
While studying clinical psychology at the University of Jos, Nigeria, Evans aspired to focus on research and teaching rather than clinical practice. However, his path shifted during and after graduating. He took on roles in healthcare centres, substance addiction management homes, and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps, where he encountered individuals experiencing psychological distress: "Each time I was doing consultations, I realised that those who needed my services truly depended on them. So, I gravitated more toward clinical practice based on the needs of those people, I would say."
Leading MHPSS Responses in Humanitarian Crises
His commitment to his newfound area of interest led him to Médecins du Monde in northeast Nigeria, where he was involved in supporting the victims of the Boko Haram insurgency who have endured difficult life experiences and displacement. As an MHPSS supervisor, he ensured service quality while managing a diverse team of trained MHPSS field counsellors. Despite the challenges that came with this new role, he seized the opportunity to grow, gaining insights through experience, mentorship and literature: "I was continuously updating myself, reading lots of literature on practices and case studies."
Reviving Research Through Academic Writing
Evans rediscovered his passion for research through the academic writing workshop offered by Intervention Journal. He realised his field experiences could provide critical, unexposed insights: “Sometimes we miss out on concrete, tangible information that we could leverage to promote good practices. So, I am very motivated to amplify the voices of local practitioners in a way that their approach contributes to stabilisation and peacebuilding in Iraq as a whole.”
Encouragement Through an Inclusive Learning Environment
During the workshop, Evans appreciated not only the technical knowledge, such as literature search strategies, but also the supportive learning atmosphere: "The approach and style of the workshop were very encouraging. The trainers didn’t put any pressure on us, which made it easier to collect our thoughts—especially for us humanitarians, who are often in very different environments."
Feeling supported, he gained the confidence to start researching and writing again: "The trainers encouraged us to look within our own programs and contexts. They reminded us that there is always something worth writing about, something valuable to share."
"Strong, tangible research can pave the way for change."
Research as a Tool for Advocacy and Impact
For Evans, research is not merely about generating knowledge; it is a form of advocacy that can drive genuine change in a world with limited humanitarian resources: "Advocacy and engagement are crucial for someone like me, in this position. Strong, tangible research can pave the way for change. As a programme coordinator and MHPSS technical working group co-chair, I look forward to that!"
His journey - from aspiring researcher to frontline MHPSS practitioner and now a researcher again - demonstrates the importance of bridging the gap between practice and academia. Through his renewed focus on research, Evans hopes to amplify the voices of local practitioners and contribute to global MHPSS advancements.
Evans participated in the Academic Writing Workshop in Ethiopia, which ARQ International designed in collaboration with Intervention Journal, the UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, and the World Health Organisation. We and our partners are grateful for their support in stimulating the transformative power of inclusive research and advocacy.
Academic Writing Workshop
Learn more about the ARQ Academic Writing Workshops in collaboration with Intervention journal here:
