MEETA

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 10-20% of adolescents worldwide experience mental health disorders, whereas approximately 18.7% of adults in Bangladesh grapple with mental health issues as reported by the National Mental Health Survey (2018-19). The prevalence is alarmingly high among the young population due to delayed detection, lack of adherence to treatment and access to specialized help, inadequate integration of mental health in primary care and referral systems, alongside social stigma and low awareness level. The situation in Bangladesh is further exacerbated by limited access to mental health services limited to urban areas with only 260 psychiatrists available, and a mere 0.49% of healthcare workers trained in mental health services (WHO, 2020).

Despite governmental recognition of mental health as a critical health concern, initiatives to integrate mental health services into primary health care remain insufficient, particularly outside of urban areas. Efforts to address the issue are hindered by a scarcity of skilled professionals and under-utilization of digital platforms like tele-medicine. Opportunities for capacity-building among healthcare providers remain limited. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and advocacy groups are also active in combating stigma and promoting mental health literacy, yet significant barriers persist.

A lion portion of the young people are still not seeking mental health assistance for early detection since they can hardly seek assistance anonymously. Discussions around and understanding of mental health is still limited in Bangladesh, and university campuses, unfortunately, are no exception. In a nationwide study on students from higher educational institutions, three-fourth of the students were found to be suffering from varying mental health issues.

To the credit of a few public and private universities in Bangladesh, there are psycho-social counseling units, comprising professional counselors, who are not typically psychiatrists. If a student feels any kind of mental health related problem, they go and talk to the counselors. Sometimes faculty members, peers, and guardians also refer students for counseling especially when there is any noticeable sign of decline in academic performance. The issues/challenges that these Private University Counseling Units address merely include parenting concerns, academic concerns, adjustment issues, addiction, stress and burnout, goal setting, social and communication skills, etc. However, they do not provide psychiatric clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, reliance on self-reporting to identify at-risk students poses challenges, especially given the reluctance of individuals to seek help due to stigma and fear of judgment..

And the problem of such insufficient attention to and support about mental health is true for all the universities, be it public and private, across the country. In summary, the mental health crisis among youth in Bangladesh, particularly within university communities, is a multifaceted challenge requiring comprehensive solutions that address barriers to access, societal attitudes, and service delivery gaps. MEETA aims to bridge these gaps by providing a confidential and accessible platform for screening, referrals, and support, thereby empowering young people to prioritize their mental well-being.

Our solution MEETA, a WhatsApp chatbot, addresses challenges around mental health support among young adults in Bangladesh by providing an anonymous, easily accessible, and culturally sensitive Generative AI driven assistant providing mental health support, improving awareness, and facilitating early detection and ongoing support with counseling and integrating with care pathways where applicable. MEETA allows young adults to improve mental health awareness and ask questions for authentic information in the local language without the fear of being judged. 

Deployed on widely used platforms like WhatsApp, MEETA simplifies access for users and administrators alike. Its user-friendly design and intuitive interfaces ensure ease of use, requiring minimal digital literacy or technical support. On top of that, generative AI for Natural Conversations were utilized, for better user acceptance as compared to traditional mHealth/chatbot solutions. MEETA is designed for self care and awareness, requiring no specialized clinical skills from its users. This approach democratizes access to mental health support, especially useful as primary care access for mental health is fragmented. By working closely with local health authorities, educational institutions, and mental health organizations, MEETA aims to ensure Integration with Health Services for Comprehensive Support which is strategically aligned with national mental health goals and priorities. Consequently MEETA is able to produce data driven insights for continuous improvement

Our solution builds upon the success of MANASA, a chatbot developed in collaboration with esteemed partners such as PATH and SNEHA. In India, MANASA has successfully raised awareness of mental health and sexual reproductive health, incorporating feedback loops and knowledge assessments. PATH India, in partnership with the state of Manipur, completed a successful pilot with 50 users. REAN Foundation conducted extensive testing and user feedback mechanisms before deploying the chatbot.

Now, in partnership with REAN, we're customizing this proven solution for Bangladesh. MEETA will provide a) Legitimate information about mental health in Bengali and English through text, images, videos, and audio, b) A complete list of mental health helplines; and c) Comprehensive coverage of common youth issues and types of mental health conditions. We plan to deploy and popularize MEETA among university students, with referrals to personalized mental health support from private service providers. Our solution is fully operational and HIPAA compliant, certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), and ready for market deployment.

MEETA serves the youth population of Bangladesh, primarily university students, aiming to meaningfully improve their lives by addressing the mental health challenges they face. According to UGC Report 2021, there are a total 164 universities including 109 Private Universities, 53 Public Universities, and 2 International universities and there are a total 1,034,320 students studying in these universities. These young adults often encounter significant barriers to accessing mental health support, including stigma, limited resources, and a lack of awareness about available services. As a result, they are underserved in terms of mental health care, with many struggling silently with issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress.

MEETA seeks to address these needs by providing a confidential, culturally sensitive, and easily accessible platform for mental health support. By leveraging widely used platforms like WhatsApp, MEETA breaks down barriers to access, allowing users to seek information and assistance without fear of judgment.

Through features such as text, images, videos, and audio in Bengali and English, MEETA improves awareness and understanding of mental health issues, symptoms, and available resources. Users can engage with the chatbot to ask questions, receive support, and access a comprehensive list of mental health helplines.

Additionally, MEETA tracks self-reported changes in mental health status and behaviors among users, providing early indicators of improved clinical outcomes. By engaging with student communities, primary care facilities, and the local healthcare ecosystem, MEETA ensures integration and sustainability within the healthcare system, ultimately contributing to long-term improvements in mental health outcomes for Bangladesh's youth population.

At mPower, our team is uniquely positioned to deliver the MEETA solution to the youth population in Bangladesh, particularly those aged between 19 to 24 years old who are studying at universities, with a primary focus on students residing and studying in Dhaka. Our approach is rooted in our deep understanding of the communities we serve and our commitment to developing solutions that meet their specific needs and challenges.

Our extensive experience in engaging with target communities, such as our previous project addressing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) issues for adolescents and youth in Bangladesh, has provided us with valuable insights into the preferences, concerns, and communication preferences of young people. Through initiatives like the SRHR chatbot developed with funding from Share-Net International, we have established a track record of meaningful engagement with our target demographic.

The design and implementation of MEETA have been strongly influenced by input from the target communities. We have adopted a user-centric approach, engaging in extensive consultations with young people to understand their unique mental health needs and preferences. Additionally, we have collaborated closely with psychiatrists, doctors, and mental healthcare providers to ensure that MEETA is not only tailored to the cultural and linguistic context of Bangladesh but also aligns with best practices in mental health support.

Our iterative development process reflects our commitment to adapting our approach based on community feedback and preferences. Through continuous testing and refinement of the solution at the field level, we ensure that MEETA remains responsive to the evolving needs of our users. This approach allows us to incorporate valuable insights from the community into the design and functionality of the chatbot, ultimately enhancing its effectiveness in providing support and referrals for mental health issues.

In summary, our team's close proximity to the target communities, coupled with our experience in user-centric design and iterative development, uniquely positions us to design and deliver the MEETA solution to youth in Bangladesh seeking mental health support. We are deeply committed to ensuring that MEETA meets the needs and preferences of our users and contributes to improving mental health outcomes among young people in Bangladesh.

Firstly, MEETA builds upon the achievements of MANASA, a chatbot developed in collaboration with esteemed partners such as PATH and SNEHA, which successfully raised awareness of mental health and sexual reproductive health in India. MANASA's success demonstrates the effectiveness of chatbot interventions in addressing mental health challenges, providing a solid foundation for our pilot in Bangladesh.

Moreover, PATH India, in partnership with the state of Manipur, conducted a successful pilot of MANASA with 50 users. This pilot not only validated the efficacy of the chatbot but also provided valuable insights and feedback for further improvements. Similarly, the REAN Foundation conducted extensive testing and user feedback mechanisms, ensuring that MEETA is tailored to meet the specific needs and preferences of users in Bangladesh.

Furthermore, MEETA is fully operational and HIPAA compliant, certified by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), demonstrating our commitment to privacy and security standards. This readiness for market deployment positions MEETA as an ideal candidate for the pilot stage, where we can iterate on design and business models while actively serving users and collecting real-world data on its impact.

In summary, the selection of the "Pilot" stage for MEETA is based on the solid foundation laid by the success of MANASA, coupled with extensive testing, certification, and readiness for market deployment. This stage allows us to further refine and validate MEETA's effectiveness in addressing the mental health challenges faced by young adults in Bangladesh.

We are applying to SOLVE because we believe in their mission to empower innovators worldwide to tackle pressing global challenges. As an initiative of MIT, SOLVE offers a unique platform that provides not only financial support but also access to a diverse network of partners, mentors, and resources, which we believe can significantly accelerate the impact of our solution, MEETA. Specifically, we hope that SOLVE can help us overcome several barriers that we currently face in scaling MEETA to its full potential in Bangladesh. These barriers include:

• Financial barriers: While MEETA is operational and ready for market deployment, we require additional funding to support the pilot phase and further scale our impact. SOLVE's financial support, including a $10,000 prize and access to additional funding through grants and investments, will enable us to reach more users and communities in Bangladesh.

• Technical barriers: MEETA utilizes advanced technology, including Generative AI, to provide personalized mental health support. However, there are technical challenges associated with integrating MEETA with existing health systems and ensuring seamless user experience. SOLVE's technical expertise and resources can help us overcome these challenges and optimize MEETA for maximum effectiveness.

• Legal and cultural barriers: MEETA operates in a complex legal and cultural landscape, where issues such as data privacy and stigma surrounding mental health are significant concerns. SOLVE's legal expertise and cultural sensitivity can help us navigate these challenges and ensure that MEETA complies with relevant regulations and norms in Bangladesh.

• Market barriers: Despite the growing recognition of the importance of mental health support, there are still significant market barriers, including limited awareness and access to mental health services. The extensive network of partners and connections of SOLVE can help us expand our reach and access new markets, particularly among underserved communities in Bangladesh.

We believe that SOLVE's holistic approach to supporting Solver teams, including financial, technical, legal, cultural, and market support, aligns closely with our needs and goals for scaling MEETA in Bangladesh. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with Solve and its partners to drive meaningful change and improve mental health outcomes for young adults in Bangladesh.

MEETA stands at the forefront of innovation in addressing mental health challenges among young adults in Bangladesh. Its approach revolutionizes the traditional methods of mental health support by harnessing the power of generative AI-driven chatbots deployed on widely accessible platforms like WhatsApp.

Firstly, MEETA's innovation lies in its accessibility and anonymity. By leveraging WhatsApp, a widely used communication platform in Bangladesh, MEETA ensures that young adults can seek mental health support discreetly and without fear of judgment. This approach breaks down barriers to access, reaching individuals who may otherwise hesitate to seek help due to stigma or privacy concerns.

Secondly, MEETA's use of generative AI for natural conversations represents a significant advancement in chatbot technology. Unlike traditional rule-based chatbots, which rely on predefined responses, MEETA's generative AI enables more human-like interactions, enhancing user engagement and acceptance. This innovation creates a more comfortable and supportive environment for users to discuss their mental health concerns, fostering trust and rapport.

Moreover, MEETA's comprehensive approach to mental health support sets it apart from existing solutions. In addition to providing information and resources, MEETA facilitates early detection through conversational screening and referrals, ensuring that individuals receive timely and appropriate care. By integrating with existing care pathways and collaborating with local health authorities and organizations, MEETA maximizes its impact and sustainability within the healthcare system.

Furthermore, MEETA's potential for broader positive impacts extends beyond its direct users. By raising awareness and reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues, MEETA catalyzes broader societal change, promoting a culture of openness and support for mental well-being. Its success could inspire similar initiatives and collaborations in the mental health space, driving innovation and improving access to care for under-served populations globally.

In terms of market and landscape changes, MEETA has the potential to disrupt the traditional model of mental health service delivery. Its scalable and cost-effective approach allows for widespread deployment, reaching individuals in remote and underserved areas where traditional services may be scarce. This expansion of access to mental health support could lead to significant improvements in population mental health outcomes and reduce the burden on already strained healthcare systems.

Activities:

• Customization of Existing Chatbot: Tailor the existing chatbot to the local context of Bangladesh, incorporating cultural nuances and language preferences, in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including youth and university students.

• Partnership Development: Forge partnerships with key higher education institutions/universities for the deployment of MEETA, ensuring widespread accessibility and adoption among the target population.

• Platform Maintenance and Support: Provide ongoing maintenance and support for the MEETA platform post-deployment, ensuring its functionality and usability for users.

• Data Generation and Model Improvement: Generate new training data to refine and enhance the AI model powering MEETA, improving its accuracy and effectiveness in understanding user queries and providing relevant responses.

• Baseline and Endline Surveys: Conduct baseline and endline surveys among youth and university students to assess changes in awareness, attitudes, and behaviors related to mental well-being before and after the implementation of MEETA.

Output:

• Deployable Chatbot: MEETA is customized and ready for deployment among youth and university students in Bangladesh, offering culturally sensitive and accessible mental health support.

• Increased Awareness and Engagement: Youth and university students in Bangladesh are aware of the importance of mental well-being and are actively seeking mental health support, including screening and referrals, through the MEETA platform.

• Functional MEETA Platform: A functional MEETA chatbot is accessible to youth and university students in Bangladesh, providing on-demand mental health support and resources.

• Continuous Model Improvement: Continuous improvement efforts are implemented to enhance the AI model powering MEETA, ensuring its effectiveness and relevance over time.

• Progress Tracking: Progress of the solution towards the envisioned outcome and impact are systematically tracked and monitored, enabling timely adjustments and optimizations.

Outcome:

• Improved Access to Mental Health Support: Youth and university students in Bangladesh have enhanced access to on-demand mental health support, including screening and referrals, through the MEETA platform, contributing to improved mental well-being and resilience.

Impact:

• Enhanced Mental Well-being: MEETA contributes to improved mental well-being and resilience among youth, particularly university students, in Bangladesh, by providing accessible and culturally sensitive mental health support services.

Impact Goals:

• Increased Awareness and Help-Seeking Behavior: We aim to increase awareness about mental health issues and promote help-seeking behavior among youth in Bangladesh. This includes encouraging users to proactively engage with MEETA for information, support, and referrals related to mental health concerns.

• Improved Mental Well-being: Our primary impact goal is to improve the mental well-being of youth, particularly university students, in Bangladesh. We aim to reduce the prevalence of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress among the target population.

Progress Measurement:

• Baseline and Endline Surveys: We are conducting baseline and endline surveys among youth and university students to assess changes in their mental health status, awareness levels, and help-seeking behavior over time. These surveys serve as key indicators of progress towards our impact goals.

• User Engagement Metrics: We track user engagement metrics such as the number of interactions with MEETA, frequency of use, and types of queries asked. Higher engagement levels indicate increased awareness and active participation in seeking mental health support.

• Screening and Referral Rates: We measure the effectiveness of MEETA in facilitating screening and referrals for mental health concerns. The number of users screened, referrals made to professional services, and follow-up actions taken by users serve as indicators of MEETA's impact on help-seeking behavior.

• Feedback and User Satisfaction: We collect feedback from users through surveys, interviews, and user ratings to gauge satisfaction levels and identify areas for improvement. Positive feedback and high satisfaction scores indicate MEETA's effectiveness in meeting user needs and expectations.

• Longitudinal Tracking: We conduct longitudinal tracking of users' mental health status and behavior patterns to assess sustained improvements over time. This includes monitoring changes in self-reported mental well-being, utilization of support services, and overall resilience among users.

By continuously monitoring these indicators and evaluating our progress against our impact goals, we ensure that MEETA remains aligned with our mission to positively impact the lives of youth in Bangladesh through improved mental health outcomes.

Our solution is powered by REAN HealthGuru, an integrative platform that harnesses the synergy of advanced data management and user engagement technologies.  On the frontline of patient interaction is the REAN Health Assistant Service- a sophisticated communication framework utilizing chatbot technology to facilitate real-time interactions via popular messaging channels like WhatsApp and Telegram. This system is equipped with an intelligent message routing mechanism that includes translation services, speech-to-text, and text-to-speech capabilities, enabling personalized patient engagement regardless of language or disability barriers. The assistant is underpinned by a Large Language Model (LLM) service, integrating OpenAI's cutting-edge AI for nuanced natural language understanding, risk analysis, and intent identification, which greatly enhances the user experience and efficiency of service delivery.

Furthermore, our solution emphasizes the importance of content creation and management through the Content Service module, which curates and processes a wealth of educational and support materials for both patients and healthcare providers. Utilizing robust cloud storage solutions like AWS S3, we ensure secure, scalable, and readily accessible information, supporting the ongoing need for accurate and current healthcare data. This triad of database management, AI-driven engagement, and content delivery forms the bedrock of our technology, setting a new standard for comprehensive, accessible, and adaptive healthcare services..

Our service can be easily integrated with comprehensive patient databases that encompass detailed health records, from vitals and lab reports to wellness tracking and symptom management. These records are seamlessly integrated with a suite of functionality, including analytic reporting, medication and task management, educational resources, and appointment scheduling. The platform also extends to incorporate Electronic Health Records (EHR) through interoperable services, ensuring our system aligns with current healthcare standards and practices.

5 people including 1 part-time Staff

1 Year

Our approach to diversity, equity, and inclusivity is deeply ingrained in our organizational culture and practices. Our leadership team, led by Farig Yousuf Sadeque, represents diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering a culture of inclusion and innovation. We recognize the importance of diversity in driving creativity and problem-solving, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. To achieve this goal, we have implemented inclusive hiring practices, actively seeking out candidates from underrepresented groups and providing equal opportunities for advancement and leadership development. Additionally, we prioritize creating an inclusive work environment where all team members feel welcomed, respected, supported, and valued. We regularly engage in diversity and equity training, facilitated discussions, and ongoing feedback mechanisms to ensure that our team members understand and embody our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Furthermore, our solution, MEETA, is designed with diversity and inclusivity in mind, offering support and resources that are accessible and culturally sensitive to all users, regardless of their background or identity. By incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity into our work at every level, we aim to create meaningful impact and drive positive change in the communities we serve.