While people are remarkably resilient when facing the aftermath of disasters, many face long-term mental health problems especially if they are exposed to more than one disaster.
The WHO Centre for Health Development (WHO Kobe Centre – WKC) commissioned the Evidence Mapping of Psychosocial Supports (EviMaPS) study to identify policies and programmes on disaster-related mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and assess their impact on mental health. The project also aimed to highlight gaps in evidence and provide recommendations for global policy, practice and guidance.
Professor Lisa Gibbs of the University of Melbourne led an international team from Japan, Australia, Italy and the USA to conduct the 18-month study. The first phase identified 92 MHPSS programmes and nine policies in 19 countries and regions. Most lacked evaluations and evidence to assess their impact. The researchers emphasize that international and national frameworks are critical for shaping MHPSS programmes and policies.
While the second phase also found no evaluations of long-term mental health benefits of disaster-related MHPSS policies, they found some research on programme effectiveness. These studies indicated generally positive outcomes such as reduced symptoms and improved coping.
The EviMaPS study showed programme and policy alignment as well as differences to relevant disaster sector international guidelines. The researchers recommend stronger evaluation mechanisms to support evidence-based programme development and policymaking.
“The evidence for the benefits of disaster-related MHPSS programmes is growing but gaps remain in the evaluation of policies, pre-disaster programs and their impact on high-risk groups, and more research is needed to address these gaps, and explore programmes and policies in low- and middle-income countries," noted Professor Gibbs.
Read more about the MHPSS project here.