ETHIOPIA: Churches in Ethiopia Discuss Mental Health Issues and Psychosocial Support
Bezawit Assefa
A joint learning workshop and conference between various churches in Ethiopia, has been held on Tuesday, June 18, at Hilton Hotel Addis Ababa, to discuss the findings of a study on mental health and psychosocial support dubbed, “I was buried under the ground, but now my mind is free.”
The study involved the Catholic Church, Orthodox Tewahdo Church, Mekaneyesus Church, and Kalahiwot Church, with support from Caritas Germany, Misereor, and Bread for the World partner organizations. The conference presented the initial results of the study to representatives from various national and international mental health organizations.
The study aimed at identifying the types of trauma and psychosocial stressors affecting both the general population and specific groups in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions. It also sought to review the existing mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) approaches used in Ethiopia, and to facilitate consultation with specialized organizations and mental health professionals and to share best practices, assess the capacities and skills of partner organizations in dealing with traumatized populations, and address the self-care needs of the target groups.
Dr. Simone, leading the research team, presented the study’s findings on mental health needs among war survivors in Ethiopian refugee camps, sparking open discussion and prompting incorporation of suggestions into the final recommendations to be announced to relevant parties in end of July.
Following the presentation, a panel discussion featuring representatives from the three participating faith institutions and civil society organizations provided a platform for sharing viewpoints and responding to participant inquiries. An accompanying exhibition showcased the mental health initiatives undertaken by various religious institutions. Notably, the Ethiopian Catholic Church in Adigrat and Mekele presented their extensive work coordinated by the diocese and the Daughters of Charity congregation.
Following a conference, a four-day workshop at the Ethiopian Catholic Bishops’ Conference headquarters brought together mental health experts from participating faiths for a deep dive into the study. Ato Birhanu Tamene, the Ethiopian Catholic Church representative for the study, emphasized its focus on a critical national issue and revealed plans to incorporate the findings into the Church’s ten-year strategic plan, specifically the first three years of execution.
