Mental health and scientific ethics initiatives reported in Argentina, Chile, and Peru

In Argentina, psychologist and researcher Marcela Bottinelli has raised concerns regarding an increase in suicide rates, which a Senate report indicates now exceeds traffic accidents. Bottinelli attributes the complex mental health situation to socio-economic conditions and government policies under Javier Milei, noting that budget cuts in health, justice, and education hinder the ability to maintain care strategies.

In Chile, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso (PUCV) has joined the international RELATE project. Running from 2026 to 2028 and funded by Canada’s International Development Research Centre, the initiative aims to reform scientific ethics and academic evaluation to foster more collaborative research with local communities, particularly in environmental and social sustainability.

In Peru, the Universidad Jaime Bausate y Meza has launched the ‘BAUSATE CONECTA CONTIGO’ campaign. This initiative, led by the University Welfare Office, aims to promote mental health awareness, prevention, and emotional support among students and faculty through established institutional protocols.