Investigating psychosocial and mental health policy and services in countries emerging from conflict and natural disaster

Project Team

Anthony Zwi, Derrick Silove, Jan Ritchie, Anne Bunde-Birouste, Ilse Blignault

Rationale

Conflicts and disasters are widespread, with internal conflicts and massive natural disasters such as the 2004 Boxing Day Tsunami devastating many countries. Psychosocial and mental health needs in the aftermath of such events are significant, and have in recent years attracted substantial attention from the donor community. Despite this attention, much policy and system reform is promoted in the absence of a clear evidence base.

Aims

To investigate psychosocial and mental health service delivery and policy formulation and implementation in conflict- and disaster-affected countries of the Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, and East Timor.

Design and Method

Undertaking the research in these three countries, using a systematic replication of a case-study approach, will allow generation of theoretical insights based on emerging themes, as well as consideration of the transferability of lessons across different settings.

The research will identify how international guidelines, standards and recommendations, national policies and plans of action are implemented at service and community levels, and the extent to which they respond to local need. In addition, it will identify which models and approaches are responsive to culture, gender, conflict and human rights.

Publications and Resources

Investigating psychosocial and mental health policy and services in countries emerging from conflict and natural disaster 2 page summary
Project Update: Psychosocial and mental health policy in countries emerging from conflict and natural disaster: analysis of policy and program responses

A summary of the SPHCM Seminar 'Culturally competent psychosocial policy and program responses to conflict and disaster in Sri Lanka' held on 5th December 2006 is now available.