HealthNet TPO gives psychosocial aid to victims of Pakistan disaster

HealthNet TPO is providing mental health care to the victims of the earthquake in Pakistan with support from PLAN and insurance group Eureko. Responding to the urgent request of the World Health Organization (WHO) for structural mental health assistance we are supporting local organizations to provide psychosocial care in the devastated areas.

The earthquake of October 8th 2005 has left deep marks. The number of deaths has run up to 80.000 people. More than 4 million Pakistanis were displaced or made homeless. Many victims have been buried under the ruins and bodies are still being recovered and roads reconstructed to provide access to remote areas. Survivors are mourning for their missing family members and friends and some are still in shock. A specialised team of HealthNet TPO has been set up to provide assistance to the victims.

Psychosocial Aid Programme

In the first stage the aid was limited to psychosocial first aid, ensuring people were in no danger to themselves or others, and providing information on the earthquake. The observation of religious and cultural traditions at burials was stimulated to facilitate the mourning process. Isolated groups such as orphans, widows and elderly people, were encouraged to take part in group processes.

The second and current phase of the programme adopts a broader approach to psychological aid. It includes forming support groups through which coping mechanisms can be strengthened. Doctors receive basic training in mental health and psychosocial skills and local health workers are trained to screen patients for those with more severe problems.

In the final stage the aid programme will be embedded in the primary health care system and transferred to the local health workers. The continuation of mental healthcare assistance will thereby be guaranteed and anchored in the social and cultural context of the affected areas. HealthNet TPO will be monitoring the progress of the programme.

Mansehra

HealthNet TPO has focused primarily on earthquake victims in the surrounding area of Mansehra, a district in North West Frontier Province. Mansehra town itself was only slightly damaged, but HealthNet is working mostly in the remote Upper Siran and Konch valleys where many villages were completely destroyed, and others have buildings so damaged that they are inhabitable. Health care in these areas is almost non-existent, and water and electricity supplies remain disrupted after the earthquake.

HealthNet TPO is contributing to the mental relief of these victims, encouraging the social reintegration of the local community and promoting sustainable mental health care in Mansehra through its training programmes.