In south-central Somalia, Somaliland, and Puntland, decades of civil conflict and socio-political instability have taken a heavy toll on the mental well-being of communities and have eroded the socio-cultural support structures that communities rely on when facing stressful situations.
As a result, cases of mental breakdown and psychological devastation among Somali communities continue to reach unprecedented levels, with the prevalence of mental illness across Somalia currently estimated to be among the highest in the world.
Traditionally, mental health has been a highly stigmatized condition, with people suffering from mental illness discriminated against and socially isolated. This reflects a culture of extreme containment and hostility, including the chaining of people with mental illnesses.
Despite this alarming situation, mental health continues to be a neglected sector throughout Somalia. Mental health issues are a low priority for local authorities, and investments by the humanitarian community remain extremely limited.
This, in turn, leaves existing local organizations with very limited capacity to effectively offer any meaningful solutions. As a result, the burden of caring for people with mental disabilities is left to their closest relatives and to traditional or faith-based mental health healers.
Within this context, the Group for Transcultural Relations has implemented several projects aimed at supporting people with mental illnesses and their families, as well as providing them with better mental health centers and institutions.
Projects and news in Somalia
- All
- Children in Adversity
- Forced migration
- Gender Based Violence
- Mental Health
According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), the prevalence of mental disorders among the population in Somalia is higher than in many other […]
Thanks to funding from UNHCR, GRT was able to set up an integrated project in Somaliland of both prevention and psychosocial intervention activities.
Provide medical care and psychological support to displaced persons, asylum seekers and victims of gender-based violence, particularly children, in Puntland, Garowe.
Thank you! Nearly 1,000 people participated at the live broadcast or watched the recording of the meeting on Mental Health in Africa, that took place on 30 November.
GRT is implementing a series of interventions in Somaliland and Mogadisho to support and improve the socio-health systems in the field of pediatrics and mental health in the country.
GRT is carrying out a series of interventions in Somaliland and Mogadisho to support and improve the country’s paediatric and mental health systems.
The project aims at addressing the psychosocial needs of the population that has been suffering from various traumatic experience, lack of resources and deprivation.
In the independent region of Puntland, north-east of Somalia, people living in Bosaso, Bashan and Garowe continuously suffer from drought, uncertainty, deprivation.
To ensure psycho-social support to women and children victims of violence, to improve prevention and intervention services,to support awareness compaigns on GBV issues and Child Protection.
To identify and support vulnerable populations, including children, to prevent gender-based violence.
To ensure that marginalized girls have the opportunity to obtain an education through school. The aim is to enable girls to support themselves and get out of the extreme poverty in which they live.
The emergency situation in the Horn of Africa has blocked access to livelihoods for thousands of people, leading to an unprecedented mass exodus in Somalia.
In the camps for displaced people, womend and children live in serious deprivationa and danger. They are often extremely vulnerable to violence and mistreatment.
To promote change for members of the security forces, regional governments, survivors of human rights violations, and the civilian population.