At present, many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region have developed action plans and started implementing activities to address mental health and psychosocial support as part of their national response to the #COVID19 pandemic. We will regularly share experiences from countries in the Region to keep you updated on what is happening on-the-ground to support people’s mental health and wellbeing during this pandemic.

Jordan

In its national response plan for the #COVID19 pandemic, Jordan included a component on the provision of mental health and psychosocial support services. Jordan established working groups to support the implementation of the response plan and to facilitate the coordination between all the sectors involved.

Currently, Jordan is providing distant psychosocial support services through two helplines. One of the helplines runs 24/7, and is manned by a team of trained psychologists and psychiatrists, who also ensure effective access to psychotropic medications through the National Center for Mental Health, as well as referrals to specialized services, if further consultations are needed.

Additionally, national and international nongovernmental organizations in Jordan established similar services to support their respective beneficiaries. Jordan is also highlighting mental health considerations in its national awareness campaign for #COVID19, and is disseminating orientation materials on the psychosocial aspects of #COVID19 through different social media platforms.

In its efforts to maintain continuity of mental health services during #COVID19, while challenged by strict lockdown measures, Jordan developed a mechanism for safe delivery of medications to patients in their homes. These medications are being delivered by healthcare volunteers.