Annual Report of the Department of Health 2010 - Unrwa

UNRWA’s integration efforts over the past year have yielded significant achievements, including improved access to psychological and
psychosocial support to children, youth, parents, and vulnerable groups (e.g. the elderly and persons with disabilities). In 2010, more
than 10,000 people received counselling services or participated in supportive group activities and awareness-raising sessions - up
from approximately 2,000 people in 2009. More than 200 health and psychosocial staff were trained in music and art therapy, conflict
resolution, child abuse and gender-based violence, trauma, crisis intervention and stress management.
Way Forward
The WBFO will continue integrating community mental health and family protection into its Primary Health Care services. In addition
to staff capacity strengthening in mental health and family protection, the Health Department will continue developing ways to
institutionalize this approach within the system. For example, case management information systems for community mental health
and gender-based violence are in development and will be completed in the next year. The Health Department is also finalizing its
internal referral system for mental health and victims of GBV, child abuse, and family violence, and working closely with local and
international partners in developing a national system for external referrals.
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