Mental Health in Crisis: Supporting Communities in Conflict, Disaster, and Climate-Affected Regions
Mental health is often overlooked in conflict zones, disaster response, and climate-affected communities, yet it is a critical component of resilience and recovery. From perinatal mental health support to addressing the trauma of human rights defenders and survivors of religious discrimination, mental health interventions must be integrated into emergency response systems, disaster preparedness plans, and global health initiatives.
This session will explore how mental health can be prioritized in humanitarian aid, disaster risk reduction, and post-crisis rebuilding efforts. We will discuss the role of community health workers, local governments, and AI-driven innovations in expanding access to care, as well as the long-term mental health impacts of climate change. Participants will also explore how to create sustainable mental health interventions that are locally led, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive.
Key Questions:
How can mental health preparedness become a core pillar of disaster risk reduction?
What are the mental health impacts of climate change, and how can communities adapt?
How can community health workers and local governments help expand mental health services in crisis-affected regions?
What role does AI play in scaling mental health support for communities in conflict and disaster zones?
How can we better support human rights defenders, religious minorities, and trauma survivors in their mental health needs?
How can perinatal mental health interventions be integrated into humanitarian responses to support mothers and families in crisis?
This discussion will bring together mental health professionals, humanitarian responders, policymakers, and local leaders to explore practical solutions for addressing mental health in the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Session Co-Leaders:
Dan Owala – National Coordinator for Peoples Health Movement Kenya, a human rights activist and paralegal advocating for health equity.
Elizabeth Geoffroy – Senior Director of Dimagi, driving global strategic partnerships for digital health impact.
Lucy Crawford – Director of Strategy and Development at The Leo Project, creating equitable access to education and healthcare in Kenya.
Maria Jammal – CEO of Humanity Crew, a Palestinian-Israeli human rights lawyer integrating mental health into humanitarian response.
Pavel Reppo – Executive Director of Finemind, embedding mental health into routine healthcare services worldwide.
Sharon Yabilsu-Guyuk – MHPSS Manager at Humanity Crew, equipping global responders with mental health tools for disaster-impacted communities.