From the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region website. Read online: https://www.emro.who.int/yemen/news/the-silent-struggle-yemens-mental-he...
--
The silent struggle: Yemen’s mental health crisis
8 January 2024 –
Years of conflict have cast a dark shadow on Yemen, both on its physical infrastructure and on the health and well-being of its people. Mental health has been overlooked for far too long, and now a hidden crisis is festering.
Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services are lacking in many parts of the country, owing to shortages of trained professionals and treatment facilities. Even where such services are available, people may feel unable to access them owing to social disapproval.
An estimated 7 million people, about a quarter of Yemen’s population, grapple with psychological trauma and stress inflicted by the ongoing conflict. All require mental health support, yet only 120 000 of this number have consistent access to services...
An urgent need for more action
Yemen’s mental health crisis is a silent battle and demands urgent attention. By prioritizing mental health care, combating stigma through greater awareness, and building a robust support system, Yemen can help those struggling in the shadows to embrace life once more...
--
COMMENT (NPW): HIFA welcomes members in Yemen to share their experience and challenges to deliver health care in their country. In countries with very low resources, and especially those in conflict, it may seem that the availability and use of reliable healthcare information are not a priority relative to other needs such as medicines and equipment. On the other hand, conflict itself disrupts communications, referral networks and the flow of information that is vital to protect the health of individuals (and the public health). We know little about information needs during times of conflict, nor how better to address those needs.
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org
