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