Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
Experiencing a humanitarian emergency can significantly impact the mental health and psychosocial well-being of a person. It can have immediate as well as long-term consequences. Since 2014 we have been supporting research to ensure evidenced-based interventions for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in humanitarian crises.
Why this focus area?
The impact of conflict and displacement on people’s mental health and psychosocial well-being can have significant immediate and long-term consequences for individuals, families, and communities. Whilst nearly all people affected by humanitarian crises will experience psychological distress, the prevalence of common mental disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety are expected to more than double.
Our work
Our work has contributed to strengthening the evidence for mental health and psychosocial support interventions in humanitarian settings.
Since 2014 we have funded 28 studies using rigorous research methods to develop, pilot and evaluate effectiveness of MHPSS interventions. Our studies have focused on interventions addressing needs of vulnerable groups, general populations and for use in non-health sectors. Most have been designed for implementation by local, non-professional service providers in settings without trained health professionals.
Our contribution to the MHPSS field has provided WHO with required levels of evidence to endorse and promote certain interventions, and has influenced inter-agency guidance and minimum standards, including the Sphere Handbook.
"We now have many evidence-based low-intensity interventions thanks to funding from (Elrha) and others". - contribution from a key informant interviewed as part of our R2HC 2023 Impact Evaluation.
Our approach
We have contributed to systems change in relation to MHPSS by advancing opportunities for people affected by crisis to access relevant services as an integral part of humanitarian assistance. Our work has addressed three critical problems:
1.
The lack of a consensus based MHPSS research agenda that reflects priorities of humanitarian practitioners.
2.
The absence of evidence-based interventions to address the specific needs of different population groups.
3.
The lack of evidence on the effectiveness of MHPSS interventions.
What we fund in MHPSS
Explore the groundbreaking projects that Elrha supports across the globe. From health innovations to disaster risk reduction, our funding drives impactful solutions in humanitarian contexts.
MHPSS research agenda
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Research Priority Setting 2021 – 2030 (MHPSS-SET2)
Image credits
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