Bentiu, South Sudan- The International Organization for Migration (IOM)in partnership with the Ministry of Health and World Health Organization(WHO) held a five-day training on the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP), which is an action plan to scale up services for mental, neurological and substance use disorders for countries especially with low and lower middle incomes, this programme asserts that with proper care, psychosocial assistance and medication, tens of millions could be treated for depression, schizophrenia, and epilepsy, prevented from suicide and begin to lead normal lives– even where resources are scarce. The training targets 10 medical practitioners from Unity State in South Sudan.
The training the ran from 20-25 November 2024, was designed to equip the hospital health workers including doctors, and nurses, with enhanced knowledge and skills to identify and manage mental health conditions. It covers essential topics such as general principles of care, acute stress, trauma, anxiety, psychosis, harmful use of alcohol and drugs and suicide prevention. Additionally, the training aims to support health workers addressing the unique needs of crisis-affected populations, with content adapted specifically for South Sudan's health protocols.
"IOM remains committed to supporting the Government of South Sudan in addressing mental health issues. The Mental Health Gap Action Programme training is a crucial component in the provision of quality mental health services in Unity State. Through this training and subsequent supervision, we aim to bridge the gaps for the most vulnerable individuals and communities in accessing mental health care support," said Vanda Gustave, IOM South Sudan MHPSS Officer.
Globally, South Sudan is ranked as one of the countries with the highest mental health gaps with South Sudan Health Cluster estimating 1.2 million people in need of support. Despite this overwhelming need, only about 1% of the population receives mental health services, leaving a treatment gap of 99%.
To address these needs, IOM is working with the Ministry of Health and WHO, with support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA-USAID), to implement the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). This project addresses the critical shortage of psychiatric care in Unity State by training healthcare providers in diagnosing, managing, and referring mental health cases in Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs). Launched by WHO in 2010, mhGAP equips non-specialized health workers to provide essential care for mental, neurological, and substance use disorders, a critical step in making mental health care accessible. Additionally, IOM has been at the forefront of providing Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services across crisis and flood-affected areas. Since 2016, IOM has delivered vital MHPSS support in Bentiu, Malakal, Abyei, Renk and Wau, reaching thousands within IDP camps, collective sites, and host communities. Additionally,
"This training is crucial as it enables national medical professionals to apply the knowledge they have received in cultural settings to address the mental health gap in Unity State and South Sudan as a whole. The programme requires close support to achieve significant outcomes. With proper supervision, the skills acquired by the trainees will empower medical professionals to effectively address mental health issues," said Dr. Atong Ayuel, Director of Mental Health Department in National Ministry of Health.
On his part, the WHO State Coordinator Loro Fredrick Beden, stated that training served as a means to increase the number of mental health professionals, addressing the high demand in Bentiu. Loro added that Bentiu faces numerous stressors, including flooding, hunger, extreme heat, and various other community challenges that require MHPSS support in the area.
IOM will continue to advocate for mental health care in South Sudan through various programs including integrating it into primary health care services. In collaboration with humanitarian partners and local authorities, IOM is expanding its MHPSS services to hard-to-reach areas and areas of return, ensuring sustainable assistance for those most in need. Through the mhGAP initiative and ongoing partnerships, IOM aims to empower healthcare providers, reduce the mental health treatment gap, and foster resilience across South Sudan’s communities.
For more information, contact Cyprine Cheptepkeny on email: ccheptepkeny@iom.int or Nabie Loyce on email: nloyce@iom.int, Tell: +211 912380115