from AHMED ZAYED in Tripoli, LibyaLibya BureauTRIPOLI, (CAJ News) – ONE month after the devastation by Storm Daniel in Libya, the need for mental health care is becoming even more acute. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that at least one in five people will suffer from mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder in the aftermath of a major emergency like Storm Daniel. Mental health services were one of the top three priorities – along with safe water and primary health care services ­– identified by an interagency assessment team that visited eastern Libya in the early days of the disaster. WHO is working with the authorities to make sure that people can obtain basic mental health support in primary health care facilities and community centres. “However, some people in acute distress will require specialized psychological and psychiatric care,” Zouiten said.

Source: The North Africa Journal October 11, 2023 09:12 UTC