Table 2 Summary of recommendations for the overall population and more specific recommendations around victims of Genocide
Population | Level | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
Overall | Infrastructure building | • Take a comprehensive approach to mental health from promotion through prevention ◦ treatment, long-term care of, and recovery from mental disorders including concurrent substance misuse disorders • Create specific programs/packages to strengthen mental health services at different levels of health system • Reinforce the capacity of health personnel especially at the community level to be able to assess and treat early symptoms of mental disorders • Strive to ensure that mental health resources address unmet needs of the population ◦ support effective mental health promotion, early intervention, prevention, service provision and programs |
Increasing awareness | • Promote the need for equality for mental health and recognition of the links between mental and physical health in achieving health and wellbeing • A high proportion of individuals do not seek mental health support; thus it is important to develop programs to raise the awareness as well as utilization of mental health services • Promote access to and quality of evidence-based primary, secondary and specialist mental health care, which is integrated across health and social care to meet the needs of the citizens • Strengthen coordinated efforts to develop better and sustainable community mental health systems such as community forums that provide support to community members with mental problems | |
Patient support | • Challenge stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental disorders through approaches that are based on evidence and respect for human rights • Recognize that individuals with mental disorders are at high risk of abuse, violence, detention or hospitalization, and promote the least restrictive mental health interventions, treatment, and care wherever possible | |
Genocide victims | Patient support | • Take action to address the social determinants of mental health, in a cross-sectoral and holistic manner in order to reduce both physical and mental health disparities so that Genocide survivors have an equal chance to lead healthy lives • Increase the focus on improving the mental health and wellbeing of Genocide survivors to improve mental health outcomes for this and future generations • Increase public health actions that promote resilience, reduce risks, and address the root causes of chronic stress that threaten family and caregiving environments in order to protect and promote mental health of Genocide survivors |