Years of War in Congo Have Created a Dire Mental Health Crisis. But Little Support Is Available
By Sam Mednick and Ruth Alonga
Originally published by Sam Mednick and Ruth Alonga on AP News.
The number of people who received psychosocial support in camps around the main city of Goma increased more than 200% between January and June compared to the same period last year — from 6,600 to more than 20,000 — according to aid group Action Against Hunger.
The number of people reporting suicidal thoughts has jumped from about five a month at the beginning of the year to more than 120, it said.
About Action Against Hunger
Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 21 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 59 countries, our 8,900 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.
