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Children in a tent camp participate in a psychosocial support activity, playing a group game with a facilitator.
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WHO EPI-WIN Webinar: mental health and psychosocial support aspects of responding to public health emergencies: the why, what and how

26 February 2025 13:00 – 14:00 CET
Virtual meeting

Humanitarian emergencies cause widespread suffering, affecting people’s mental health and psychosocial well-being. Almost all people affected by emergencies will experience psychological distress. For most people, this improves over time. But for others, the impacts on mental health can endure. Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) describes any type of local or outside support that aims to protect or promote psychosocial well-being and/or prevent or treat mental health conditions. MHPSS is an integral part of all emergency responses, including public health emergencies such as infectious disease outbreaks.

 This webinar will:

  • Explain WHY MHPSS is needed in all public health emergencies,
  • Explain HOW MHPSS is offered in public health emergencies, including examples of MHPSS interventions in ongoing emergency settings,
  • Describe WHAT MHPSS tools and resources are available for current and future public health emergencies.

Agenda and Speakers

Introduction to MHPSS in emergency settings: Fahmy Hanna, WHO

Dumsani Njobo Mamba, Africa CDC

Using the MHPSS Minimum Service Package in public health emergencies: Caoimhe Nic a Bhaird, UNICEF

My hero is you: story-telling as a tool to promote children’s well-being: Maya Bachet, WHO

Disability and inclusion in MHPSS: Heather Pearson, WHO

Stories from the field: Grace Obalim, TPO Uganda

Phiona Koiyet, World Vision International

Presentations

Download the presentations

Video recording