Niamey – Last week (25/02), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) organised a conference on the importance of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) during migration at the Convention Centre in Niamey. 

The conference gathered psychology students and professionals, the Ministry of Health and the National Anti-Trafficking Agency, UN agencies, and NGOs to discuss the importance of MHPSS to promote, protect, and support the wellbeing of migrants, relatives, and host communities. 

Key migration concepts and terminologies were explained as well as the Inter Agency Standing Committee (IASC) MHPSS response framework [SA1] and the particularities of the impact of specific forms of migration on the mental health and wellbeing of individuals.

"A migration journey that did not lead to the desired outcome or forced migration can trigger different psychological reactions among the migrant. Therefore, it is essential to integrate MHPSS services into every level of assistance to prevent the appearance of symptoms and reinforce the resilience mechanisms of the individuals and communities," says Barbara Rijks, IOM Niger Chief of Mission.

The conference was held during the third edition of the National Congress of Mental Health organised by the Nigerien Association of Mental Health and the Ministry of Health in Niamey, from 24 to 26 February. This year's theme was mental health in crisis, with mental health and migration amongst the sub-themes. The event's organisation was jointly supported by IOM and other partners such as UNHCR, WHO, and COOPI. 

In 2021, 238 migrants, including 65 women and 173 men, received individual mental health and psychosocial support in IOM transit centres in Niger. Additionally, around 25,000 individuals participated in psychosocial activities such as focus groups or recreational activities.

IOM Niger implements MHPSS interventions adopting an inclusive and human rights-based approach to guarantee the availability and accessibility of psychosocial support and mental health care for all migrants, irrespective of their migration status, and their host communities in multiple regions in the country. 

IOM's support to the National Mental Health Congress was made possible with the financial support of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).