Voces y Trayectorias is an online series of public conversations with people who have played a meaningful role in shaping, implementing, or reflecting on processes of psychiatric deinstitutionalisation (DI) in different parts of the world, with an emphasis on Brazil, Chile and the rest of South America.

About the speakers

Dr Claudia Braga is a Professor of Occupational Therapy at the University of São Paulo, Brazil, and Chair of the WHO Strategic and Technical Advisory Group on Mental Health, Substance Use, and Brain Health (2025–2027). Her main areas of expertise include public policies and services in mental health and substance use, aligned with deinstitutionalization perspective and a human rights approach.

Fernanda Nicácio is an occupational therapist and retired Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of São Paulo, Brazil. From 2011 to 2014, she served as Deputy Coordinator for the formulation and implementation of Brazil’s national mental health policy at the Ministry of Health. Her work focuses on deinstitutionalization, mental health care in community settings, social inclusion, and human rights.

Who should attend?

Researchers, students, policymakers, practitioners, activists, and anyone interested in mental health reform and human rights.