GAVO’S COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH

Mental disorders accounts for a significant burden of disease in Somaliland. The war has left thousands of adults and children with post-traumatic stressed conditions. The general abuse of substance (Khat) and unemployment is producing high numbers of psychotic conditions; absence of proper mental health research or studies, unnecessary institutionalization, negative social perceptions, recurrent relapses (which then results frequent re-admissions), inadequate mental health facilities are among other determinants that are worsening the conditions of the mental health in Somali community.

People with mental health problems from minority groups and low income families are at risk of double or triple jeopardy discrimination based on ethnicity; and stigmatization. On the part of the majority and minority based on having a mental illness in the result of social exclusion. Due to the inadequate mental services in Somaliland, people may be reluctant to seek help from traditional and spiritual healers which devastated family community resources and increased the comfort of spiritual beliefs rather than visiting hospitals for treatment.

Due to the above challenges GAVO is currently intervening to improve the mental health situation of Somaliland through supporting the two existing mental hospitals of Berbera and Hargeisa, established community based mental health care and awareness raising activities to advocate for the rights of the mentally ills.

Every Month minimum 250 Patients come to the two existing mental health services as for inpatients and outpatients, for instance Current number of in-Patients only in the two hospitals are:

December 2006 Male Female Total

Hargeisa mental ward 75 25 100

Berbera Mental Hospital 37 6 42

Total
142

Community Mental health initiative provides capacity support, Sanitation and Hygiene facilities, Training to the staff, renovation and rehabilitation activities to the two mental hospitals of Hargeisa and Berbera. GAVO Mental Health Baseline Reports

Apart from the support to institutional level, GAVO also established two communities based mental health centers (psychosocial-centres) in Hargeisa and Berbera. These centres will provide psychosocial support, educate the carers/relatives and conduct outreach/home visits to the patients in the community.

To break the Social barriers in the community that are hindering the improvement of the mental health activities, such as stigmatization and discrimination, GAVO conducts Consultation meetings, awareness workshops, and media awareness to the public.