Published in:
Open Access
01-12-2023 | Correspondence
Prioritizing children’s mental health amidst Sudan’s humanitarian crisis: policy recommendations for immediate action
Authors:
Sarah Hashim Mohammed Osman, Abdulqadir J. Nashwan
Published in:
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health
|
Issue 1/2023
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Abstract
The humanitarian crisis precipitated by the ongoing conflict in Sudan poses profound risks to the health and welfare of the country’s children. This paper explores essential policy interventions to safeguard child mental health services under these challenging circumstances. Crucial strategies include enhancing healthcare accessibility for children and their caregivers, promoting education, and improving household living conditions. Additionally, it is vital to provide improved access to information about nutritious food and strengthen health systems in areas directly exposed to conflict. Cooperation with international aid organizations is paramount to delivering medical supplies to functioning health facilities. The paper also recommends partnerships with local non-governmental and humanitarian organizations to execute public health programs effectively. These multi-faceted policy measures underscore the importance of a comprehensive response to ensure the health and well-being of children amid the turmoil in Sudan. Through these strategies, we aim to provide a blueprint for policymakers and humanitarian organizations to mitigate the devastating impacts of the conflict on the country’s most vulnerable population.