Today's world faces different challenges in terms of humanitarian crises, in which we will see more natural disasters as a result of climate change, displacement of human groups due to armed crises in various nations, epidemics and pandemics, among others. In these settings, adults and children suffer from a wide variety of mental, neurological, and substance use-related (MNS) problems. Most experience acute psychic distress and grief, which are considered normal and temporary psychological responses to very adverse situations. However, in a fraction of the population, these situations trigger mental health problems that can make it extremely difficult to carry out daily activities. In addition, people with pre-existing serious disorders become even more vulnerable due to displacement, homelessness and limited access and availability of health services. Finally, the consumption of alcohol and drugs poses serious risks in terms of health and gender violence.
On the one hand, the population's mental health needs are increasing and, on the other, local resources are often lacking to meet them. In such circumstances, health personnel trained in these issues are needed more than ever to provide adequate care to this population.
This approximately 12-hour course offers health professionals, mainly those who work at the first level of care, tools and recommendations regarding the first-line care and treatment of mental, neurological and substances use disorders (MNS) in humanitarian crisis situations, where there is often little access to specialists and limited treatment options.
It also provides essential information taken from the mhGAP Intervention Guide - in its full version -and includes additional elements that apply specifically to humanitarian crisis situations.
You can access and take the course for free in Spanish at the following link: https://www.campusvirtualsp.org/es/node/28969
