November 9th 2023
Mental health
MHPSS training
HealthNet TPO has made significant strides in enhancing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services by prioritising the training of healthcare workers across its operational regions. In 2023 alone, the organisation trained 291 facility-based healthcare workers in Afghanistan and South Sudan on the integration of MHPSS into public health services.
These training sessions aimed to equip doctors, nurses, midwives, and psychosocial counsellors with the necessary skills to identify and manage mental health concerns. Using WHO’s mental health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP) curriculum, HealthNet TPO ensures that healthcare professionals can provide essential mental health services at the community level.
In South Sudan, the focus was on preparing health workers to address mental health challenges in conflict-affected areas, where trauma and stress are prevalent. This training extended to local health agents, who play a vital role in recognising mental health issues and offering psychosocial support.
By empowering healthcare workers with these skills, HealthNet TPO contributes to improving access to mental health services in vulnerable communities, ensuring timely intervention and referral for those in need.
MHPSS integration in healthcare
The integration of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) into public healthcare systems is a core objective of HealthNet TPO. Recognising that mental health issues are often stigmatised and overlooked, the organisation focuses on training healthcare workers to incorporate MHPSS into routine healthcare delivery.
In Afghanistan, where the prevalence of mental health disorders is high due to prolonged conflict, poverty, and personal loss, HealthNet TPO’s initiatives have focused on expanding the availability of MHPSS services in public health facilities. In 2023, 168 healthcare workers were trained in Afghanistan, including doctors and psychosocial counsellors, enabling them to address mental health concerns in their daily practice.
Through its integration efforts, HealthNet TPO ensures that mental health services are not only accessible but also de-stigmatised, encouraging individuals to seek help.
By working closely with local health facilities and training staff, the organisation is creating sustainable systems of care that address both physical and mental health needs, improving the overall wellbeing of communities in conflict-affected areas.
Promoting self-care
HealthNet TPO recognises the vital importance of self-care for both beneficiaries and healthcare workers, particularly in conflict-affected regions where stress and burnout are common. In 2023, over 51,839 people in Afghanistan received MHPSS services that included self-care practices. Self-care, traditionally viewed as an individual responsibility, is now being promoted as a collective practice influenced by community dynamics and emotional regulation.
HealthNet TPO advocates for self-care as a key element in its projects, ensuring that individuals understand the significance of mindfulness, emotional regulation, and healthy routines in maintaining mental wellbeing.
For healthcare workers and humanitarian staff, self-care is essential to prevent burnout and ensure their ability to provide effective services. Through its training programmes, HealthNet TPO encourages workers to adopt self-care practices.
These could stem from regular exercise, mindfulness, to emotional management, all of which are vital for maintaining mental health in high-stress environments. By prioritising self-care, HealthNet TPO fosters resilience among both its staff and the communities it serves.
MHPSS, women & peacebuilding
HealthNet TPO acknowledges the critical role women play in peacebuilding and community resilience, particularly in conflict-affected regions like South Sudan and Colombia. The organisation’s MHPSS programmes focus on empowering women and girls to participate in peace processes while addressing the unique mental health challenges they face.
In South Sudan, where 65% of women have experienced physical or sexual violence, HealthNet TPO partners with local leaders and UN agencies to strengthen community-based psychosocial services and promote gender equality.
Through initiatives like the “Leaders of Peace” programme in South Sudan and the “Women Advocate Peace” programme in Colombia, HealthNet TPO provides safe spaces for women to receive mental health support and engage in peacebuilding. The programmes train women as psychosocial focal points and leaders, enabling them to provide support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and advocate for policy changes that protect women’s rights.
By integrating MHPSS with peacebuilding efforts, HealthNet TPO empowers women to contribute meaningfully to their communities and fosters long-term societal change.
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