Introduction In Sudan, access to mental health and psychosocial support varies greatly between the 18 states, with 90% of services located in the Khartoum state. The National Mental Health Programme in collaboration with mental health professionals led the development of the national guidance protocol for mental health, psychological and social...

Common mental disorders are leading contributors to the global burden of disease and the economic cost due to ill health and loss of productivity, which is estimated at US$ 16.3 trillion globally. The Eastern Mediterranean is a diverse Region comprising high-income countries on the one hand, and low- and middle-income countries stifled with wars and...

Introduction The National Mental Health Programme at the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) developed a national action plan to address the mental health and psychosocial support aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon for all...

Introduction Mental health has been a central pillar of the COVID-19 response in Oman and many efforts have been made to mitigate the psychosocial consequences of the pandemic such as isolation, boredom, fear, and stigmatization. Such efforts include remote psychosocial support services, and the development of guidance on managing mental health...

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has had a clear impact on the mental wellbeing of the population. The household survey conducted by the High Commission “Haut Commissariat Au Plan” in April has shown high rates of fear and anxiety in the population while under lockdown and confinement. Notably, urban areas were twice as affected as rural...

Introduction In response to the rising need for mental health and psychosocial support services among responders and the community at large, the Kuwait Ministry of Health through Kuwait’s Center for Mental Health and Central Administration for Primary Care launched a number of novel initiatives to improve access to care and overcome limitations imposed...

Introduction COVID-19 lockdowns and fear of infection have had a huge impact on the Jordanian society, increasing the demand for mental health and psychosocial support services. Older adults and children were especially affected due to the isolation and abrupt changes in their routines. People with pre-existing mental health conditions suffered...

Introduction In Afghanistan, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of the population primarily due to the stress caused by the movement restrictions and inaccurate and unverified information shared in the media including social. The main burden fell on vulnerable groups and low-income households. Among other things, the...

Introduction The Ministry of Health and Medical Education of the Islamic Republic of Iran has developed a set of measures aiming to support people who lost their loved ones in the COVID-19 pandemic. Grieving the loss of a loved one during the pandemic can be overwhelming. Safety precautions have placed limitations on traditional burial ceremonies...

Going to work during the COVID-19 pandemic has placed frontline workers under immense and unprecedented pressures, putting their physical, mental and social well-being at risk. Staff under excessive or prolonged stress become more prone to frequent absences from work or reduced productivity while at work, accidents and mistakes. In the COVID-19...