Mental Health

Location: Nablus District in the West Bank

Situation:

Despite Norodom Sihamoni s recent succession to the throne after the abdication of his father Norodom Sihanouk, who had been monarch since 1941, the Phnom Penh regime continues to be characterised by authoritarianism and corruption. The influence of religion and the widespread system of prebends, particularly in relation to natural resources, puts the economic future of the kingdom at risk. More than a third of the population lives below the poverty line and AIDS is endemic, with prevalence rate of two percent. The government has recognised this as a public health priority.

Activities:

In co-operation with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and in partnership with several local services, MdM works to improve the treatment of psychological problems, through:
• A de-stigmatisation campaign amongst the Palestinian population (leaflets, adverts, TV and radio programmes);
• Supervision of a programme identifying psychological problems in children (theatre in schools) which has been transferred to a local partner;
• Support for therapeutic activities including literary cafés, a ‘Listening Point’ and two psychological Consultation services in a Nablus clinic;
• Technical support to primary healthcare staff and mental health professionals (training courses and seminars on mental health).

Outlook:

Continuing the activities and setting up two medical psychology community centres (Nablus and Jenin) in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Health and partially funded by the French Development Agency.

Project start date: 2003