In October 2023, the spillage of the Akosombo Dam prompted catastrophic flooding in some districts of the Jap, Volta, and Larger Accra areas, displacing 1000’s of individuals and leaving a path of destruction. For a lot of, the flood was greater than a bodily catastrophe—it was a profound emotional shock. Households woke as much as discover their properties submerged, their belongings destroyed, and their lives turned the wrong way up. The lack of properties, livelihood, and the uncertainty of what lay forward created an amazing sense of hysteria and despair among the many affected communities.
The psychological influence of the catastrophe was far-reaching. Kids struggled with the trauma of dropping their protected areas, whereas mother and father battled emotions of helplessness as they confronted an unsure future. Well being employees, a lot of whom have been additionally victims of the flood, discovered themselves underneath immense strain to supply care and help to others whereas coping with their very own misery. For these with pre-existing psychological well being situations, the catastrophe worsened their struggles, and others started experiencing signs of hysteria, melancholy, and post-traumatic stress.
Public well being emergencies just like the floods brought on by the Akosombo dam spillage typically expose a big but neglected consequence of such disasters—the pressure on psychological well being. Left unaddressed, these challenges can hinder restoration efforts and depart long-term scars on the affected populations. Recognizing this, the World Well being Group (WHO), with funding from UK in Ghana, stepped in to handle the pressing want for psychological well being and psychosocial help providers.
Dr. Leveana Gyimah, Technical Officer for Psychological Well being at WHO, emphasised the significance of prioritizing psychological well being throughout public emergencies:
“Floods and different pure disasters don’t simply destroy property—they depart deep emotional scars. The psychological influence could be long-lasting, affecting not simply people however whole communities. By integrating psychological well being and psychosocial help into the flood response, we’ve been in a position to convey aid to these most affected and construct the capability of well being employees to handle these wants.”
Among the many many beneficiaries of this program was Richard Sedem Ahakutor, a psychological well being nurse from Sogakope, who skilled psychological well being challenges in the course of the catastrophe. “The flood was overwhelming. I misplaced all the pieces, and on the identical time, I used to be anticipated to assist others cope. It grew to become an excessive amount of to deal with. Due to the help I obtained by way of this intervention, I used to be in a position to get again on my toes and proceed supporting my neighborhood,” he shared.
Dr. Senanu Kwesi Dzokoto, Volta Regional Director of Ghana Well being Providers, highlighted the broader influence of the initiative. He mentioned, “Emergencies like this expose the gaps in our psychological well being help programs. WHO’s collaboration with the Psychological Well being Authority has allowed us to reply successfully to the wants of flood victims, guaranteeing that each residents and well being employees obtain the assistance they deserve. This intervention has been a vital step towards constructing a extra resilient well being system.”
To make sure that the affected people obtained holistic care, medical psychologists and psychiatrists have been deployed to supply counseling and specialists psychiatrists providers. Dr. Richard Dei-Asamoa, a medical psychologist and psychiatrist at Korle-Bu Instructing Hospital, mirrored on the importance of psychological well being providers in catastrophe conditions:
“Psychological well being is commonly neglected throughout emergencies, nevertheless it is without doubt one of the most crucial features of restoration. Individuals need assistance to course of their grief, nervousness, and trauma. This initiative has demonstrated how integrating psychological well being and psychosocial help providers into catastrophe response can actually remodel lives and communities.”
This collaborative effort has introduced aid and hope to these affected by the Akosombo floods, demonstrating that addressing psychological well being is simply as vital as offering meals, shelter, and medical care throughout emergencies. Due to funding from UK in Ghana, the initiative has strengthened psychological well being programs within the area, leaving an enduring influence on the lives of survivors and well being employees alike.
For Extra Info or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Nation Workplace
E-mail: abdullahiea [at] who.int (abdullahiea[at]who[dot]int)
Tel: +233 20 196 2393