Project profile — Iraq Crisis - Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Response - ACF 2020-2021

January 2020 – In 2020, there are an estimated 4.1 million Iraqis in need of humanitarian assistance, of which 1.77 million are in acute need. Out of the 6 million displaced people during the conflict against Daesh, more than 1.4 million people remain internally displaced. Those directly affected by the conflict against Daesh, particularly those who were displaced and whose lives and livelihoods were uprooted and destroyed, continue to require humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs. With GAC’s support, Action Against Hunger provides a mental health and psychosocial support response to meet the immediate lifesaving needs of conflict-affected persons in Iraq, including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities. This intervention aims to target up to 13,000 vulnerable individuals exhibiting symptoms relating to mental health issues and psychological distress. Project activities include: (1) providing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services through awareness sessions, support groups, and clinical trauma treatment for individuals and groups; (2) providing referrals and case management to individuals who have experienced gender-based violence and/or severe mental health problems; (3) providing MHPSS training to health workers, teachers and community leaders; and (4) providing training and support on emergency child care practices to pregnant and lactating women, health workers and community leaders.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to gender responsive mental health and psychosocial support programs and services, particularly for women and girls; and (2) improved access to appropriate emergency child care practices for pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of two. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved, suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.

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