When & where is Oevaru 2026 Mental Health Conference?
Oevaru 2026 Mental Health Conference is planned to be held on 17-18 May 2026 at Villa Nautica Resort in the Maldives.
What areas will be covered in the conference?
The conference aims to cover broad areas across the spectrum of mental health, including clinical care, mental health promotion, mental health policy and planning, social sciences, cultural studies, and lived experiences.
Who is the audience & who should consider presenting?
We welcome submissions for presentation and attendance from all relevant stakeholders, including mental health practitioners/clinicians, researchers, academics, public health specialists, policy makers, NGO members, people with lived experiences of mental disorders (patients and carers), and students.
Can I attend the conference even if I am not presenting?
Absolutely. Oevaru 2026 is open to all interested participants, including those attending for learning, networking, or contributing to discussions.
What language will the conference be conducted in?
The main language of the conference will be English. However, it is possible that some submissions can be presented in Dhivehi upon request. Translation support can be arranged as necessary depending on feasibility.
Can international delegates submit abstracts or attend?
Yes, international delegates are welcome to make submissions and present or just attend the conference. However, preference will be given to submissions that are of relevance to the Maldivian context.
What types of submissions are accepted?
Oevaru 2026 accepts two types of submissions:
1. Traditional Academic Abstracts – for oral or poster presentations covering research, reviews, case studies, service descriptions, and lived experiences.
2. Oevaru Salla Pitches – for innovative ideas in mental health which will be pitched during a special Oevaru Salla session.
What is the deadline for submissions?
The deadline for abstract submissions is 21st December 2025 at midnight [Maldivian time- UTC+ 5 hours].
How can I make a submission?
To make a submission, please visit our website and go to call for submissions page. Follow the instructions provided and male sure that all required fields are filled. Please note that submissions for traditional abstracts and Salla pitches are separate.
Is there a submission fee?
There is no fee to submit an abstract for a session or poster at Oevaru 2026. However, if your abstract gets accepted, presenters will need to register for the conference for presentation.
Is there a registration fee for the conference?
Yes. There is a registration fee for attending the conference. Please see the conference website for details on the rates.
How are submissions reviewed and accepted?
All submissions are reviewed for quality, clarity, and relevance. Please note that preference will be given to submissions that are of relevance to the Maldivian context.
Can I revise or withdraw my submission after it has been submitted?
You will be able to make changes to your submission until it enters the review process. Once your submission has been marked for review, you will not be able to make any changes. If you wish to withdraw your submission, a written request must be submitted to the conference email.
When and how will I receive notification about the status of my submission?
Notifications regarding acceptance status will be sent by email to the primary author before 15th February 2026. Some submissions may require revisions and this will communicated with the authors by the scientific committee.
Do I need to make a full paper submission?
Although this is not a requirement, we encourage all abstract submissions to follow up with full paper submission through the website. Please note that only full paper submissions will be considered for the Best Paper Award.
Will there be support before the conference for first-time researchers or presenters?
Yes. Leading up to Oevaru 2026, we will host pre-conference information sessions to support first time researchers
or presenters. These sessions will cover abstract writing, presentation skills as well as publication tips and will be open to all participants.
Will there be post-conference publications or reports?
Yes. Accepted abstracts and selected full papers will be compiled into the Oevaru 2026 Proceedings. A post-conference Insights Digest and Policy Briefs is also planned to be released to consolidate knowledge and guide future action.
Will I receive a certificate of participation?
Yes. All registered participants will receive a certificate.
I have a question that isn’t answered above, who do I contact?
You may email scientific committee or cmh@igmh.gov.mv with any additional questions. Please allow 2-4 working days for responses.
TRADITIONAL ABSTRACT SUBMISSIONS
What types of presentations will be considered for academic abstracts?
We welcome a wide range of presentations including original research, reviews of mental health-related issues, service organisational histories, mental health advocacy, and accounts of lived experience of patients and carers.
Can I include tables and figures with my abstract?
No tables, figures, or images may be included in the abstract. Further details regarding the format of the abstract submission will be made available through the conference website.
How many presenters can be included in a session?
We prefer no more than 2 presenters per presentation, however if you would like to include more than 2, please contact the scientific committee.
Can I choose to present my submission as an oral or poster presentation?
You will be asked to pick your preference during the submission process. However, the scientific committee may request changes due to various restrictions.
What is the length of oral presentation?
The allocated time for an oral presentation is 15 minutes. For a 15-minute presentation, 10 minutes will be given for the presentation and 5 minutes for the Q & A. The conference secretariat will inform the exact time before the conference with the final reminder.
When do we present the poster presentations?
The posters will be displayed throughout the conference. However, there will also be allocated times for presentations during the conference too.
What is the format for poster presentation?
Further details regarding the format of the posters will be made available through the conference website.
OEVARU SALLA SUBMISSIONS
What is Oevaru Salla?
Oevaru Salla is a platform to pitch for innovative mental health ideas in the Maldives. We invite teams to propose bold, scalable solutions addressing mental health needs in the local context.
Who can apply for Oevaru Salla?
Teams of between 2-5 members may apply. We encourage teams to be from different disciplines, but it is encouraged that at least one member of the team must have relevant mental health training or experience.
What is required during the submission process for Oevaru Salla?
We require a brief written paragraph and video (less than
2 minutes) with your team details to be uploaded on the conference website. The submission should include a title, problem statement, proposed solution and an implementation outline. Further details around the template for write-up and the video will be made available through the conference website.
What are appropriate examples of what may be appropriate Salla submissions?
We welcome a range of diverse and innovative ideas across the spectrum of mental health for Salla submissions. Some examples can include new ideas in clinical care or support for patients in the community, ideas for improving mental wellbeing at the workplace, new ideas in technology which may enhance mental wellbeing.
How will my submission be assessed by the Scientific Committee?
Salla submissions will be reviewed on the following aspects: basis of rationale, relevance, impact, innovation, feasibility, scalability & sustainability.
What happens if my team is accepted for submission?
If the submission is accepted, the team is expected to deliver a 5-minute live pitch at special Salla session at Oevaru 2026, followed by a Q&A. Further details around the guidelines
for this presentation will be made available through the conference website. We envisage giving special awards for outstanding presentations.
What happens after the Oevaru Salla pitch?
Shortlisted ideas will be eligible for mentorship and may receive support for pilot testing or policy engagement. The Oevaru team will aim to facilitate post-conference collaboration among pitch teams.
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