IOM scales up mental health response in South Sudan

The International Organization for Migration – the IOM, says it is expanding its partnership with the national government to provide much-needed mental health services to the population of South Sudan.  The IOM is looking to introduce a capacity building project involving social workers in Juba and Wau Teaching Hospitals. The commitment comes ahead of World Mental Health Day which will be commemorated on Sunday 10th October under the theme; “Mental Health in an Unequal World.” IOM’s Chief of Mission Peter van Der Auweraert says challenges of mental health in South Sudan are a result of years of conflict, displacement, emergencies such as the ongoing flooding and more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. He says IOM is working with social workers to close the glaring gap between the needs and interventions. Hears more in this interview with Lucy Kiden.