Ethiopia’s Amhara region receives mental health support from Japan, WHO

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s Amhara region has received a significant boost in mental health support thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Government of Japan and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

The emergency in Northern Ethiopia has led to widespread psychological trauma among the affected population, significantly straining the psychosocial support system. 

The region hosts over 813,856 internally displaced people (IDPs) and 111,741 individuals impacted by the conflict in Sudan, increasing the demand for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS). 

To enhance the capacity of general healthcare workers to manage Mental, Neurological, and Substance use (MNS) problems, the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) conducted a training initiative in Bahir Dar, Amhara Region, from June 3 to 7, 2024. 

Dr Addisalem Yilma, WHO Ethiopia Bahirdar hub field coordinator, stated, “In response to this crisis, the WHO’s Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP) aims to enhance the capacity of general healthcare workers to manage Mental, Neurological, and Substance use (MNS) problems.” 

A total of 21 healthcare workers were trained on mhGAP-HIG TOT, enabling them to cascade training for healthcare providers in the region. 

Kalkidan Haile, the Mental Health Coordinator from Amhara Public Health Institute, reiterated that the primary objective of the mhGAP-HIG TOT training was to enhance the accessibility and quality of mental health services in primary healthcare facilities, especially in areas affected by conflict and drought.  

She explained that the training aimed to address non-specialized health professionals’ knowledge and skill gaps and establish referral linkages across the Amhara region. 

The training has also integrated sessions on Prevention and Response to Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PRSEAH) and self-care, stress, and burnout management for healthcare providers. 

Dr. Medhin Selamu, WHO Ethiopia’s Mental Health Officer, noted, “The impact of the conflict is widespread. A review by WHO shows that community members are heavily impacted; however, the impact is intense among vulnerable groups such as women, children, older people, healthcare workers, and fighters who are affected by the ongoing situation.” 

The WHO expressed gratitude to the government and the people of Japan for their support. Following the training, further sessions, supportive supervision, mentoring, and coaching in participants’ respective areas are planned for the coming months.

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