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PACHEDO ANNUAL FUNDRAISING DRIVE TO RAISE FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT A MULTI YEAR

Integrated community mental health and Psychosocial support response Project (ICMPSS) for adolescents and youth (10-24) in crisis

TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN THE 8 DISTRICTS AND REFUGEE SETTLEMENTS OF NORTHERN UGANDA AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS CAMPS AND SURROUNDING COMMUNITIES OF EASTERN EQUATORIA, SOUTH SUDAN.

SUMMARY OF THE PROBLEM

Northern Uganda and East Equatoria in South Sudan are recovering from over two decades of conflict, particularly the LRA insurgency and the impacts of COVID-19. Despite this progress, including government support and a return to peace, the regions face a mental health crisis among young people, who make up about 73.2% of the population, including refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A 2021 WHO report indicates alarming mental health statistics: 15% of the population experiences suicidal thoughts, while 21% face PTSD and depression. Anxiety disorders affect 2.9% of individuals, with additional issues like epilepsy and substance abuse prevalent. Many of these young people were either directly involved in conflict or were victims of violence, including sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), during the war. Such traumatic experiences have resulted in long-lasting psychological effects, especially for women and girls who suffered severe abuses, including gang rapes witnessed by family members.

The COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated these issues, leading to over 17,000 cases of sexual violence against young women in 2020, according to UNFPA. Teenage pregnancies have disrupted education, limited opportunities, and increased the risk of further violence. Survivors face stigma, isolation, and poverty, complicating their reintegration into society and preventing them from acquiring necessary skills for employment.

Mental health services in these regions are severely lacking, with only 1% of health budgets allocated to mental health care. There are significant shortages of qualified professionals and medication, alongside prevalent stigma and discrimination against those seeking help. Without timely intervention, the emerging mental health crisis threatens to reverse the gains made in peace and recovery.

DONATION SUPPORT

The proposed fund aims to support post-conflict recovery and resettlement for communities affected by conflict and COVID-19, specifically targeting South Sudanese refugees in Northern Uganda and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan. The donations will assist the PACHEDO Foundation and its partners in addressing urgent mental health needs and the socio-economic challenges faced by young people (ages 10-24) and other marginalized groups.

Key Areas of Support

  1. Training Health Workers: Funds will be used to train primary health workers and Village Health Teams (VHTs) to effectively integrate mental health care into public health services for adolescents in crisis.
  2. Awareness Campaigns: The initiative will promote mental health awareness through school and community programs, including public debates, dialogues, and media outreach, to encourage young people to seek support.
  3. Mobile Clinics: Mental health outreach efforts will include mobile clinics in communities and schools, equipped with psychotropic medications and transport for health workers to provide care.
  4. Referral Systems: Establishing a Reporting, Tracking, Referral, and Response (RTRR) system will help identify and refer individuals with mental health crises for specialized care at hospitals.
  5. Community-Based Support: Programs will provide group and individual support for those receiving treatment, utilizing resources like the Journey of Life toolkit and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques.
  6. Mental Health Centers: The plan includes constructing two well-furnished community mental health and psychosocial support service centers to offer specialized care in Northern Uganda and Eastern Equatoria.
  7. Youth Empowerment: Support will be provided for young people to engage in micro-enterprises and vocational training in various fields, including ICT, mechanics, and agriculture.
  8. Business Hubs: Establishing regional business hubs will facilitate market access and skills development for youth.
  9. Research Initiatives: Funds will support research to assess the mental health and psychosocial situation in Northern Uganda and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions.

Overall, these initiatives aim to build a robust framework for mental health care and socio-economic development, fostering resilience in young populations affected by trauma