The armed conflicts raging in the Lake Chad basin destroy individual resistance and the well-being of populations, impacting their socio-economic development. Faced with these situations, families are forced to leave their living and production spaces, leaving behind their vital means of economic subsistence, to go to places where security remains relative.
Psychiatry detects signs of mental disorders, psychoses, depression or even traumatic neuroses in these psychologically impacted people. In this context, the social function of therapists (traditional healers, psychologists, etc.) is more than ever valued by the place given to speech and the relief of suffering. However, psychiatric and psychosocial services are still very inaccessible in this region where psychiatry often rhymes with madness.
The report of the study entitled “Psychosocial care in the Lake Chad Basin” produced by Groupe URD, focuses on the availability and nature of psychosocial care offered in this region and presents the recommendations drawn from the lessons learned. as part of the RESILAC project.
During this conference, the panelists will address the challenges of collaboration between the various mental health actors in the Lake Chad basin.
Panelists
Florence CHATOT – Study coordinator, public health research officer, research, evaluation and training officer, Groupe URD
Pamela LONDONO – Regional Referent Mental Health and psychosocial care, RESILAC
Henri MAHAMAT MBARKOUTOU – Researcher on the Cameroon/Chad aspects of the study, Teacher-researcher, doctor in political and strategic history, expert in conflict analysis in the Lake Chad basin
Ibrahim YAMIEN – Researcher on the Niger section of the study, expert in community mental health, former research and supervision officer at the National Mental Health Program in Niger.