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.

Qatar

In its national response plan for the #COVID19 pandemic, Qatar included a component on the provision of mental health and psychosocial support services.

It developed a training package for healthcare staff to support them in managing their own stress during #COVID19, as well as support and understand the stress their patients and colleagues are facing during these times.

Qatar is developing other training packages to support the public in general and people in quarantine.

The Ministry of Public Health and Worker’s Welfare launched an awareness campaign on its website, which comprises different materials on mental health and psychosocial support during #COVID19 in eight languages.

Additionally, Qatar launched a new helpline to provide mental health and psychosocial support services during #COVID19. The helpline is operated by mental health professionals and they provide assessment and support to children and parents, adults, older people and frontline healthcare professionals.