More than 2 years of war have taken a heavy toll on Ukraine’s population, across age groups and socioeconomic status. A total of 9.6 million people are estimated to be at risk of or living with a mental health condition in the war torn country.
A fast growing need for mental health and psychosocial support services has called for a strong response and innovative solutions from health authorities.
A new alternative
Among those solutions, are Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), consisting of a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker and nurse. They provide recovery-oriented care, enabling people with severe mental health conditions to lead fulfilling lives within their communities. Based on global evidence, the teams serve as an innovative alternative to the hospital-based treatment model, showing high levels of satisfaction among service users and staff.
“WHO has been supporting the development of the service model of community mental health teams in Ukraine since 2015. By providing technical support, trainings and continuous supervision to teams, we aim to equip them with skills, knowledge and everything needed to provide people-centred care to patients with severe mental health conditions. And we are committed to moving forward in this way to make high-quality mental health services accessible for everyone who needs them,” said Dr Jarno Habicht, WHO Representative in Ukraine.
In an attempt to help the teams reach more people and cover more ground, WHO has just donated 12 cars to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. These vehicles are essential for the operation of CMHTs, allowing them to reach patients in remote communities. WHO had previously donated 7 cars.
Tailored to Ukraine
The CMHT model was developed and tested by WHO in partnership with the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the National Health Service of Ukraine, international experts, and staff of psychiatric services of Ukraine. The Ministry of Health introduced the teams in 2021 and has since included them in the state Programme of Medical Guarantees.
“We are constantly working to increase the availability of psychological help for Ukrainians. In current conditions, its relevance is growing even more. Together with international partners and all institutions involved in the implementation of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program, initiated by First Lady Olena Zelenska, we are looking for and implementing the best solutions so that patients can receive all the necessary support under any circumstances,” said Minister of Health Viktor Liashko. “The format of mobile multidisciplinary mental health teams has proven its effectiveness. It is important to scale it up. We are grateful to WHO for the donation of 12 cars, which will enable multidisciplinary teams to work even in remote communities.”
Procuring the vehicles was made possible with funds from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA).
Delivering mental health on the frontline
“USAID supports the Ministry of Health and health-care providers in Ukraine to implement critical, life-saving emergency medical services. This includes the community mental health teams, who risk their lives to provide mental health and psychosocial support to Ukrainians living in hard to reach and frontline areas. USAID is proud to partner with WHO and the Ministry of Health to equip these teams with 12 new vehicles, to make it easier to reach Ukrainians in need,” said Jeffrey Lehrer, Acting Deputy Mission Director, USAID/Ukraine.
Since the beginning of the war, hospitals hosting CMHTs have shown better preparedness to support their clients due to their mobility and innovation. While sticking to their core functions, the teams shifted to remote support modalities in insecure areas or reached their patients in rural communities by car when public transport was stopped. They have supported their clients in obtaining medications, providing emotional support and managing stress.
80 000 consultations
Under the umbrella of the All-Ukrainian Mental Health Program, Ukraine’s mental health system, despite the war, continues to develop and become better prepared to meet the needs of the population.
Since February 2022, some 32 CMHTs supported by WHO in Ukraine have provided more than 80 000 consultations to over 2000 people with severe mental health disorders.
WHO has a strong focus on mental health in its Response, Recovery and Reform approach in Ukraine. Among its priorities in 2024 is to improve mental health awareness and practice, and promote the well-being of the population.