CHF-DMA-0489-157ER “Providing emergency medical supplies for mental health patients in geographical areas affected by the current drought.” – 84,716$

Prolonged conflict and instability have largely impacted on the mental and psychological well-being of the Somali people. WHO estimates that one in three Somali’s has been affected by some kind of mental illness, a prevalence which is higher than in other low-income and war-torn countries. Many Somali’s have experienced beating, torture, rape or have been injured for life. Others witnessed horrific violence against family or friends. The psychological and social impacts of violence and conflicts may be acute in the short term, but they can also undermine the long-term mental health and psychosocial well-being of the affected population. It is estimated that at least 30% of the population are affected by one or another form of mental disorders in Somalia. In addition to two decades of instability, Somalia faces a severe and increasingly acute drought which is spreading to regions that received good rains in the past Gu season 2010. Many determinants of the current drought, such as overall insecurity, displacement, loss of livelihood, lack of trust and hope explain the high rate of increased forms of distress and disorders, impacting largely on the mental and psychological well-being of the Somali people.

The mentally ill are generally chained or imprisoned. The country provides a total of 465 beds, almost 50% located in South Central Somalia – which are not enough and most of the patients sleep on the floor or mattresses. In terms of human resources, there are only 3 psychiatrists in Somalia, no psychologists and 19 mental health social workers.

This project will focus on strengthening the mental health activities of health facilities in the areas hardest hit by the drought. The health centres are located in Gaalkacyo, Jalalaqsi, Jowhar, Marka and Mogadishu. Each of the health facilities will receive a number of emergency medical supplies to treat the increased number of patients with mental health disorders. To further assist the health workers and provide them with the knowledge and skills on how to deal with mental health patients, an induction course will be organized to increase the awareness on mental health.