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Geneva – Highlighting the profound impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the mental health of people around the world, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) calls for governments around the world to take proactive measures to ensure health mental and psychosocial. The needs of migrants and displaced persons are taken into account in government responses.
The call is in line with the launch yesterday by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres of a policy report entitled COVID-19 and the Need for Action on Mental Health, highlighting the mental health consequences of the pandemic. and urges governments, civil society, health authorities, and others to invest and prioritize mental health during the COVID-19 response and beyond.
Next week, the World Health Organization (WHO) will hold its 73rd World Health Assembly, where Member States and other stakeholders will discuss the impacts of COVID-19, IOM reiterates the importance of taking into account the The mental health dimensions of the crisis, in particular the effects it has on migrants, displaced persons and other vulnerable groups.
“Everyone is affected by this pandemic,” said António Vitorino, IOM Director General.
“The stress of confinement, job loss, stigma and xenophobia certainly have an impact on mental health. The most vulnerable, including migrants, mobile populations and seasonal workers, face a unique set of challenges. We must make sure that everyone is included in our mental health response, especially during COVID-19. “
In today’s global environment, migrants face specific stressors, and all too often many continue to have unequal access to health, let alone mental health care. The most vulnerable, for example those in irregular situations, may be forced to deal with poor housing or overcrowded conditions, as well as precarious, informal or dangerous work situations. While some are working on the front lines of the crisis, others may have lost their source of income or be quarantined in miserable situations. Lacking safety nets or support systems, sometimes far from their families, many may find it difficult to access reliable information, in a language they can understand, about the disease and related services available. Those with information may be afraid to seek help for their symptoms due to fear of being arrested or deported.
Given all of these realities that can make migrants more vulnerable to mental and psychosocial problems, IOM advocates government efforts to include migrants, regardless of legal status, to ensure a mental health response. equitable to COVID-19 and not leaving one behind
IOM supports the UN Secretary General’s call for mental health actions to be considered essential components of national responses to COVID-19, including: reducing pandemic-related adversities known to harm mental health, develop communication strategies with psychosocial awareness, offer mental and psychosocial health. support in emergencies, investing in remote mental health interventions, ensuring continued in-person care for people with severe mental health conditions, and promoting participatory approaches.
In 72 countries, IOM provides psychosocial and mental health assistance (MHPSS) to vulnerable migrants and displaced persons through its programs, including through community-based approaches and capacity development. In the context of COVID-19, IOM has adapted its MHPSS activities, for example, by offering electronic advice, providing remote assistance, promoting community cohesion, or extending its MHPSS services to quarantine or isolation facilities.
For more information, contact YasminaGuerda, IOM Public Health Communications Officer at headquarters, Tel: +41 79 363 17 99, Email: [email protected]
