Emergency Conflict-Related Psychosocial Interventions in Sierra Leone and Uganda: Lessons from Médecins Sans Frontières

Citation:

De Jong, Kaz, and Rolf J. Kleber. 2007. “Emergency Conflict-Related Psychosocial Interventions in Sierra Leone and Uganda: Lessons from Médecins Sans Frontières.” Journal of Health Psychology 12 (3): 485–97.

Authors: Kaz De Jong, Rolf J. Kleber

Abstract:

Médecins Sans Frontières has been involved in emergency mental health or psychosocial programmes since 1990. In this article the intervention model developed for emergency settings is shared. Psychosocial programmes distinguish two elements. The ‘psycho’-component facilitates the reconnection of the affected individual to his environment. The ‘socio’-element aims to create an environment that facilitates the individual to re-integrate. The nature of mental health and psychosocial programmes requires a multi- disciplinary approach. Emotional support can also be provided by regular medical staff and does not always require a specialist. The years ahead of us are important for the development of psychosocial interventions. Fundamental issues such as programme evaluation need systematic research.

Topics: Armed Conflict, Health, Mental Health, Trauma, Humanitarian Assistance, Context-Appropriate Response to Trauma, Post-Conflict Regions: Africa, East Africa, West Africa Countries: Sierra Leone, Uganda

Year: 2007