Integrating psychosocial support at Ebola treatment units in Sierra Leone and Liberia

Integrating psychosocial support at Ebola treatment units in Sierra Leone and Liberia (2018)

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic killed almost 12,000
people across Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea, causing significant
psychological distress and suffering. This paper describes
International Medical Corps’ innovative and comprehensive
model for integrating mental health and psychosocial support
(MHPSS) considerations and activities into Ebola treatment units
(ETUs) across Sierra Leone and Liberia. This includes staff
capacity building as well as psychosocial considerations and
activities to address needs and challenges at the ETUs. This
model was aimed at reducing patient and family distress and
promoting healthy behaviours and recovery. We also include data
describing mental health-related symptoms reported by our ETU
patients, as well as psychosocial support interventions utilised.
We discuss recommendations and lessons learnt and conclude
that in line with global guidelines, MHPSS considerations and
activities should be integral to all aspects of EVD care.

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• MHPSS