There is an enormous gap in human resources for mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) at a global level. The ramifications of this gap are magnified in situations of armed conflict, natural disasters and other emergencies, where needs intensify, and health systems are overwhelmed. Accordingly, there is a need for innovative and promising cost-effective MHPSS services.
The new Focus Area on Digital MHPSS was established to raise awareness for evidence-based digital MHPSS, to create opportunities for learning and to provide practice-oriented, accessible guidance for the effective and efficient implementation of digital MHPSS initiatives at a local and global level within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
In contexts in which resources are scarce and access is limited, technology-empowered and internet-based services can provide a scalable, evidence-based and resource-efficient extension of traditional approaches to care. Digital MHPSS services have the potential to not only increase reach, but also improve health equity by opening up a new way of connecting with individuals and groups not seeking help due to stigma or other obstacles.
The Digital MHPSS Working Group, representing 21 National Societies from 4 regions, the IFRC and the ICRC and chaired by the SRC and the MHPSS Hub, supported the implementation of the MHPSS Roadmap and the Digital MHPSS Pledge.
The new Focus Area on Digital MHPSS presents resources that originate from the meetings and discussions of the Digital MHPSS Working group and were elaborated and finalized by the SRC in collaboration with Kristofer Vernmark, an external consultant and digital mental health expert.
Digital Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS)
Visit the focus area and explore the five themes of: Learn about digital MHPSS; Dive deeper; Get inspired; innovate and implement; Share and connect.
