Background:

A refugee is a person who fled his or her country of origin and is unable to return due to persecution based on religion, race, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group (UNHCR). The United Nations estimates that over 65 million populations worldwide are currently displaced by war, armed conflict, or persecution, and more than 80% of those are displaced internally or have fled across national borders to neighbouring countries (Silove, Ventevogel, & Rees, 2017). The Government of Nepal has generously hosted a large number of refugees from various countries, especially from south-east Asia. These refugees have settled at different sites including Jhapa, Kathmandu, Kaski and Morang districts.

Mental, neurological and substance use disorders (MNS), one of the serious public health concerns (Prince et al., 2007), are increasing worldwide. There has been a 13% rise in mental health conditions and substance use disorders in the last decade. Around 20% of the world’s children and adolescents have a mental health condition, with suicide being the second leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds. Approximately one in five people in emergency settings have a mental health condition. The evidence shows that mental health conditions can have a substantial effect on all areas of life, such as school or work performance, relationships with family and friends and ability to participate in the community.

Mental health and psychosocial problems are often overlooked in refugee populations. Various studies have demonstrated that mental health and psychosocial problems are widespread among the refugee population. A study conducted by The Harvard Program in Refugee Torture found that the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in the refugee communities has been revealed to be up to ten times higher than in a non-traumatized population (Fazel, M., et al., 2005).  Studies have reported higher prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, somatization and adjustment reactions among refugee populations when compared to the general population (Ovitt, N., et al., 2003). The refugee status can be very traumatic and rates of PTSD and major depression in settled refugees can range from 10-40% and 10-15% respectively (RHTAC). A systematic review of mental health and psychosocial problems among refugee communities reported the prevalence rates of depression between 3% to 81% and anxiety between 5%-90% (Lindert et. al., 2008).

Objectives:

The overall aim of the project is to improve psychosocial wellbeing of PoCs (urban refugee and asylum seekers). Further, the project intends to meet the following specific objectives;

• To improve psychosocial well-being through direct assistance
• To increase the access of mental health and psychosocial support by mainstreaming services in the public health care system

· To increase pro-social behavior of PoCs through engaging them on psychosocial interventions

Target group: The project will target PoCs (urban refugees and asylum seekers) from Pakistan, Myanmar, Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan and other countries residing as asylum seekers or refugees.

Implementation area: The project will be implemented in Kathmandu valley (including some part of the metropolitan city and adjoining municipalities i.e. Tokha and Budhanilkantha) where the PoCs are mainly concentrated.

Mainstreaming psychosocial issue is another key component of this project. Thus, TPO Alliance will reach with local governments and their health system to increase the capacity of government and ensure sustainable impact of the program.

Time frame: 1^st January 2022 to 31^st December 2022

Supported by: LWF/UNHCR