Supporting the mental health of internally displaced persons and the local population

Context

After 13 years of war and the fall of the regime in Syria, many people are suffering from severe psychological symptoms. The conflict has reduced the resilience of the entire population.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 25 per cent of people in conflict regions are suffering from psychological stress. Vulnerable population groups such as internally displaced persons, children, women and people with disabilities are experiencing particularly high psychological stress. At the same time, there is a lack of professionals to care for those affected. As a result, the health system cannot respond appropriately to the needs of the population.

Objective

Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) providers are better trained in health, education, the protection of vulnerable groups and prevention. In addition, local services support affected people and vulnerable groups in reducing psychological stress.

Approach

The project trains MHPSS professionals so that they can provide better advice and care to those affected. It also supports staff care and supervision in the workplace. Supervision is an internationally recognised instrument designed to support specialist staff working in medical and teaching fields.

The project also develops capacities in external supervision and intervision through an intensive training programme. Trained supervisors work with partner projects to provide practical support to the MHPSS teams.

Furthermore, the project promotes initiatives that focus on vulnerable groups, such as children and young people with disabilities, people with severe stress symptoms and victims of violence. The projects also provides advice on the integration of MHPSS-related topics and strategies in Syria.

Last Update: April 2025