The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the psychological and social well-being of individuals, which has been further exacerbated by movement limitations and physical distancing. These changes have caused a shift in the previously used Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) service delivery modalities, to reflect safety measures such as physical distancing and limitations in movement.
IOM plays a key role in responding to humanitarian and public health emergencies. Health support in emergencies is an essential part of IOM’s humanitarian mandate and is recognized by the Organization’s Migration Crisis Operational Framework1 as one of the 15 sectors of assistance to address before, during, and after crises.
The Manual aims to facilitate mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) experts and managers in designing, implementing, and evaluating community-based MHPSS (CB MHPSS) programmes, projects, and activities for emergency-affected and displaced populations in humanitarian settings.
Populations affected by emergencies are continually at risk of outbreaks of epidemic-prone diseases and other public health hazards. This operational guidance aims to guide decision-making on when and how to implement and strengthen Early Warning Alert and Response (EWAR) in preparation for and response to emergencies. Each module aims to provide updated operational guidance for EWAR practices, which may be more easily understood and applied during emergencies. Through its application, this operational guidance aims to contribute to:
