Mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) programs in humanitarian emergencies are often underfunded. While global MHPSS guidelines exist, there is a notable absence of a package that operationalizes existing standards and guidance for MHPSS in humanitarian settings, which is presently implemented with limited cross-sectoral coordination.  Such a package requires a clear set of practical actions and interventions for the initial response to MHPSS needs, and to do so with approaches that optimize the potential for sustainable MHPSS across sectors including health and child protection. Further, there is a need to offer predictable responses that clearly indicate costs to deliver such care, in both new emergencies and ongoing protracted conflict settings. The MHPSS Minimum Services Package (MSP) is building on the success of the sexual and reproductive health Minimum Initial Services Package (SRH MISP) in aiding decision making and resource allocation in humanitarian emergencies.

UNICEF, in collaboration with WHO and UNHCR, is devising the Minimum Services Package in consultation with various stakeholders. Upon completion of the field-test version of the MHPSS MSP, 5 countries currently affected by humanitarian crises will be selected by WHO and UNICEF as demonstration sites. One or more chapters of the MSP (i.e., cross-cutting, health, child protection, education) will be implemented in these five countries. One international academic partner, supported by WHO and UNICEF and in collaboration with country-level partners collects analyses and contributes to the dissemination of monitoring, evaluation, and implementation of learning data.

TPO Alliance has completed its second phase (EQUIP-2) of field testing of evidence-based mental health interventions, foundational helping skills (FHS) training, and the required competencies needed by non-specialist helpers. The first round of field testing was done through six partner organizations across regions working with mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) cadres. EQUIP-2 will focus on iterative improvements to the overall use of the platform for competency-based training and further adaptation and evaluation of the Fundamental Health Skills (FHS) training.

TPO Alliance was part of the first field testing of the FHS training and provided ongoing contributions to the overall EQUIP platform development. They proved to be a successful and reliable partner in terms of implementation, response, and overall outcome. TPO Alliance will continue implementation of learning data as EQUIP – III Phase.

Supported by: USAID via UNICEF