Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

Last Updated: November 18, 2025

PART I: TERMS OF USE

1. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing and using the African Institute of Mental Health (AIMH) website and platform, you accept and agree to be bound by the terms and provision of this agreement. If you do not agree to abide by the above, please do not use this service.

2. Use of the Platform

The AIMH platform provides access to:

• Mental health resources, publications, and research materials
• Information about our programs, projects, and activities
• Membership application services
• News and updates about mental health in Africa
• Contact and communication services
• Newsletter subscription services

3. User Responsibilities

By using this platform, you agree to:

• Use the platform only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms
• Provide accurate, current, and complete information when submitting forms or applications
• Respect the confidentiality and privacy of others
• Not use the platform to transmit any harmful, offensive, or illegal content
• Not attempt to gain unauthorized access to any part of the platform
• Not use automated systems to access the platform without permission

4. Membership Applications

When applying for membership:

• You must provide accurate and truthful information
• All required documents must be authentic and submitted in the specified format (PDF)
• Applications are subject to review and approval by AIMH
• AIMH reserves the right to reject any application at its discretion
• False or misleading information may result in immediate rejection or termination of membership

5. Resources and Publications

Resources available on this platform:

• Are provided for informational and educational purposes
• May be subject to copyright protection
• Should not be reproduced or distributed without proper authorization
• Are provided "as is" without warranties of any kind

6. Intellectual Property

All content on this platform, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, images, and software, is the property of AIMH or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright and trademark laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, or create derivative works from any content without express written permission.

7. User-Generated Content

When you submit content through our platform (contact forms, applications, etc.):

• You grant AIMH a non-exclusive, royalty-free license to use, reproduce, and process your information
• You represent that you have the right to submit such content
• You understand that your information will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy (see Part II below)

8. Limitation of Liability

AIMH shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages resulting from your use of or inability to use the platform. The platform is provided "as is" without warranties of any kind, either express or implied.

9. Modifications to Terms

AIMH reserves the right to modify these Terms of Use at any time. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting. Your continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the modified terms.

10. Termination

AIMH reserves the right to terminate or suspend your access to the platform at any time, without prior notice, for any reason, including violation of these Terms.

11. Governing Law

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Rwanda, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

12. Contact Information

If you have any questions about these Terms of Use, please contact us through our contact form or at the email address provided on our website.

13. Ethical Guidelines

Users of AIMH services agree to:

• Respect confidentiality and privacy in mental health engagement
• Adhere to ethical guidelines in mental health research and practice
• Use information responsibly and for appropriate purposes
• Respect the dignity and rights of all individuals

PART II: PRIVACY POLICY

1. Introduction

The African Institute of Mental Health (AIMH) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website and use our services.

2. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, including:

• Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, postal address
• Membership Applications: Professional information, affiliations, CVs, motivation letters, and other documents
• Communication Data: Messages submitted through contact forms
• Subscription Data: Email addresses for newsletter subscriptions
• Technical Data: IP address, browser type, device information, and usage patterns

3. How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Process and review membership applications
• Respond to your inquiries and provide customer support
• Send newsletters and updates (with your consent)
• Improve our website and services
• Comply with legal obligations
• Protect our rights and prevent fraud
• Conduct research and analysis (in anonymized form)

4. Information Sharing and Disclosure

We do not sell, trade, or rent your personal information to third parties. We may share your information only in the following circumstances:

• With Your Consent: When you have given explicit permission
• Service Providers: With trusted third-party service providers who assist in operating our website and conducting our business
• Legal Requirements: When required by law or to protect our rights and safety
• Business Transfers: In connection with any merger, sale, or transfer of assets

5. Data Security

We implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect your personal information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure.

6. Data Retention

We retain your personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy, unless a longer retention period is required by law.

7. Your Rights

You have the right to:

• Access your personal information
• Correct inaccurate or incomplete information
• Request deletion of your personal information
• Object to processing of your personal information
• Withdraw consent for newsletter subscriptions
• Request data portability

To exercise these rights, please contact us using the information provided in the Contact section.

8. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies and similar tracking technologies to:

• Remember your preferences and settings
• Analyze website traffic and usage patterns
• Improve user experience

You can control cookies through your browser settings, but this may affect website functionality.

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies.

10. Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to individuals under the age of 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have collected information from a child, please contact us immediately.

11. International Data Transfers

Your information may be transferred to and processed in countries other than your country of residence. We ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to protect your information in accordance with this Privacy Policy.

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will notify you of any changes by posting the new Privacy Policy on this page and updating the "Last Updated" date.

13. Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us:

• Email: info@aimhafrica.org
• Through our website contact form
• By mail at the address provided on our website

14. Consent

By using our website and services, you consent to the collection and use of your information as described in this Privacy Policy.