The training is part of a series of ongoing capacity building activities on mental health forMental Health team and beneficiaries. specialized and non-specialized staff.

WHO Jordan has recently led a 5 day training on mental health disorders and basic interventions. Held at the Regency Hotel in Amman, the training was specifically designed for staff from Jordanian correctional facilities, Al Tafilah Women’s Health Center and Caritas NGO.

The aim of the training was to build the capacity of individuals who work directly with people with mental health problems. Subjects tackled during this training included; human rights and stigma, overview of main mental disorders, bio-psychosocial approach in service provision, developing comprehensive treatment plans, and basic psychosocial interventions including counseling, problem-solving skills, rehabilitation and group activities, among others.

 Led by WHO Jordan staff members, the training was delivered by multidisciplinary teams from three Ministry of Health community mental health centers. These teams were first established by WHO Jordan starting 2008 as a step towards community-based services for mental health. The teams continue to receive technical support from WHO. The training provided was hailed as a success; participants noted the value and importance of the topics and skills delivered.

“To witness the evolution of the WHO-supported multidisciplinary teams into providers of effective trainings on mental health is of key significance to WHO. We are committed to supporting national institutions in their efforts to up-scale the mental health sector. Building capacity of local professionals is fundamental to achieving a strong and sustainable mental health system in Jordan"

Ms Zein Ayoub, WHO National Officer for Mental Health

"The increased motivation of health workers, both specialists and non-specialists, for increased and continuous learning on mental health is of great importance. There were clear positive interactions and great efforts to learn from participants of the correctional facilities, Al Tafilah women’s Health Center and Caritas. Personally, I am happy to say that through this training we have formed good networks with friends and colleagues working together towards better mental health service provision for our beneficiaries”

Ms Hadeel Alfar, WHO Mental Health Field Assistant

WHO Jordan continues to be proud of the hard work and dedication of its mental health team. WHO hopes to continue working with partners and stakeholders towards building a strong and sustainable mental health system in Jordan, and increasing awareness and mental health literacy in our community.