Photo: Russell Watkins/DFID
For the first time in more than ten years, WHO has published updated estimates on the prevalence of mental disorders in conflict-affected settings. Reflecting a more accurate depiction of the present situation, the findings are not new in that they continue to demonstrate that the prevalence of disorder in conflict-affected populations is higher than the global average. Through this article, see the data speak to the urgent need for scalable mental health intervention in the humanitarian space.
While MHPSS has long advocated for cross-cutting integration into the education sector and education response in humanitarian settings, practical guidance of such integration is something practitioners in the sector expressed a need for. The recent Inter-Agency Network for Education in Emergencies (INEE) Guidance Note on Psychosocial Support clarifies the education sector’s importance in supporting the wellbeing of children and youth, provides practical tips and advice about how to integrate PSS into formal and non-formal education efforts, and highlights linkages between PSS in education and other sectors.
This recent note is provides practical guide on key considerations to keep in mind when defining, designing, and implementing community-based MHPSS programs. Sourced from already existing guidelines and best-practice models, the note is coined as a "short reminder" which frames and validates what most practitioners already know from their daily practice.
The World Bank Group in Health, Nutrition & Population Global Practice released a “knowledge series” on mental health and psychosocial support in fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) situations. See an overview of why investing in MHPSS in FCV settings is important, who has MHPSS needs in FCV settings, what interventions should be considered for different settings and groups, what the World Bank has been doing including challenges and lessons learned and a section on how mental health interventions should be evaluated. A one-stop-shop with embedded resources on statistics, interventions, reports and guidance.
The result of a series of conferences convened to bring together experts in the field of mental health, this report summarizes key recommendations and ways forward toward closing the gap between knowledge and practice in order to improve MHPSS systems and services in humanitarian settings and the development sector. The report includes discussions, findings, and recommendations. See Annex 1 (recommendations) which includes information that can support advocacy for improving funding, planning and implementation of comprehensive, quality and sustainable MHPSS interventions in protracted and post-conflict settings.
Access the recordings
Register for the event