Executive Summary
Yemen has faced years of armed conflict, resulting in widespread trauma, displacement, and mental health challenges among its population. Children, women, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) are particularly vulnerable. This project aims to provide community-based mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) to conflict-affected populations in Yemen.
The initiative will establish mental health centers, train local counselors, conduct awareness campaigns, and implement school and community-based psychosocial programs. By strengthening local capacity and improving access to mental health services, the project seeks to enhance resilience, reduce trauma-related issues, and improve overall well-being among affected communities.
Background and Problem Statement
Yemen’s ongoing conflict has devastated health infrastructure, leaving millions without access to basic mental health services. Key issues include:
- High levels of trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Displacement and loss of livelihoods intensifying psychological stress.
- Lack of trained mental health professionals and community awareness.
Without timely intervention, the mental health crisis will continue to impact education, productivity, and community cohesion. There is an urgent need for culturally sensitive, community-based mental health support programs.
Goal and Objectives
General Goal:
To improve mental health and psychosocial well-being of conflict-affected populations in Yemen.
Specific Objectives:
- Establish 5 community-based mental health centers in high-need areas.
- Train 50 local counselors and health workers in psychosocial support and trauma care.
- Conduct mental health awareness campaigns targeting 10,000 community members.
- Implement school-based psychosocial programs for children and adolescents.
- Provide direct counseling and support to at least 5,000 individuals over 12 months.
Target Population
- Conflict-Affected Residents: Adults and families experiencing trauma and stress.
- Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Living in camps or temporary settlements.
- Children and Adolescents: Students exposed to conflict-related trauma.
- Local Health Workers & Counselors: Strengthening capacity to provide ongoing mental health support.
Key Activities
- Establish Mental Health Centers:
- Safe spaces providing counseling, group therapy, and psychosocial support.
- Training & Capacity Building:
- Train local counselors, nurses, and community volunteers in trauma care, basic counseling, and referral systems.
- Community Awareness Campaigns:
- Workshops, posters, radio programs, and community events to reduce stigma and promote mental health literacy.
- School-Based Programs:
- Psychosocial support activities, resilience-building sessions, and teacher training in mental health awareness.
- Monitoring & Evaluation:
- Track number of beneficiaries served, improvement in mental health indicators, and feedback from participants.
Implementation Strategy
- Collaborate with local NGOs, community leaders, and health authorities.
- Conduct needs assessments to identify high-priority areas.
- Use mobile outreach teams to reach remote or conflict-affected zones.
- Engage community members to ensure cultural sensitivity and sustainability.
- Phase implementation: infrastructure setup → training → community programs → evaluation.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Indicators:
- Number of mental health centers established.
- Number of counselors trained.
- Number of individuals receiving counseling and psychosocial support.
- Improvement in mental health status (through surveys and assessments).
Methods:
- Pre- and post-intervention assessments.
- Regular field reports and feedback from participants.
- Mid-term and final evaluation to measure impact and lessons learned.
Budget Estimate and Required Resources
| Item | Details | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mental Health Centers | Rent, furniture, equipment | XXXXXX |
| Training Programs | Materials, trainers, workshops | XXXXX |
| Awareness Campaigns | Media, printing, events | XXXXX |
| Staff & Coordination | Project managers, counselors | XXXXX |
| Monitoring & Evaluation | Surveys, tools, reporting | XXXXX |
| Contingency (5%) | – | XXXXX |
| Total Estimated Budget | XXXXXX |
Required Resources:
- Qualified mental health professionals and trainers.
- Safe spaces for counseling centers.
- Educational and awareness materials.
- Partnerships with NGOs, schools, and local authorities.
Expected Outcomes
- 5 fully operational mental health centers serving conflict-affected communities.
- 50 trained counselors providing ongoing support.
- 10,000 community members reached through awareness programs.
- 5,000 individuals receive direct mental health and psychosocial support.
- Improved mental well-being, resilience, and coping mechanisms among beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The ongoing conflict in Yemen has created a deep mental health crisis, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations such as children, women, and IDPs. This project addresses this urgent need by providing community-based, culturally sensitive mental health services and capacity building for local professionals.
By combining awareness campaigns, school programs, and direct counseling, the initiative empowers communities to manage trauma, build resilience, and improve overall well-being. With sustainable engagement and local ownership, this project will contribute to long-term mental health support systems in Yemen, helping conflict-affected populations recover and thrive despite ongoing challenges.
