Tamale: BasicNeeds-Ghana and the Mental Health Alliance have called for the prioritisation of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) during catastrophes and emergencies in the country. They have also advocated for the inclusion of MHPSS in disaster preparedness and emergency response frameworks of the National Disaster Management Organisation and the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
According to Ghana News Agency, this appeal was made in a statement issued by BasicNeeds-Ghana and the Mental Health Alliance, to mark this year's World Mental Health Day. The statement aims to draw attention to the necessity of enhanced mental health and wellbeing, particularly during humanitarian catastrophes and emergencies.
This year's World Mental Health Day, observed on October 10, focused on the theme: 'Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies'. It highlighted the importance of supporting the mental health and psychosocial needs of individuals impacted by humanitarian crises.
The statement highlighted that Ghana frequently experiences disasters, both natural and otherwise, such as floods, droughts, fires, explosions, road accidents, conflicts, and building collapses, which have resulted in fatalities, injuries, and lasting psychological impacts on individuals, families, and communities. It noted that response efforts in these situations have often failed to include MHPSS for those affected.
The statement stressed that without MHPSS, recovery efforts remain incomplete, affecting families' ability to restore livelihoods, disrupting children's education, and leaving communities fragile. It urged the government to ensure that first responders in disaster or emergency situations included MHPSS experts.
The statement also called for increased investment in mental health care within the national health budget and allocation of adequate resources for MHPSS. It recommended that frontline health workers, humanitarian experts, and managers be equipped with skills in psychosocial first aid to provide timely support during catastrophes and emergencies.
Additionally, the statement advocated for strengthening community-based support systems and structures to aid survivors of disasters and humanitarian emergencies, including self-help groups to extend mental health care to hard-to-reach areas. It emphasised the need to combat stigma through nationwide community-based awareness campaigns, particularly in communities recovering from disasters and humanitarian crises, affirming that mental health is an essential part of health, especially during emergencies and catastrophes.
Ensuring access to mental health during crises requires making mental health a key component of Ghana's Universal Health Coverage strategy and plans. While Ghana has made progress through the passage of the Mental Health Act 2012 (Act 846) and the integration of mental health into primary health care, resources remain limited, services are overly concentrated in urban centres, and stigma continues to silence many in need, especially during crises.
The statement concluded with a call to reaffirm commitment to providing mental health and psychosocial support as a fundamental part of health and wellbeing needs, ensuring no one is left behind in times of crisis.