Build Better Before:
Scaling Up Capacity for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Preparedness Workshop and Full-scale Simulation Exercise

28-31 October 2024 - Ankara

On 28-31 October, Türkiye hosted the "Build Better Before: Scaling Up Capacity for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Preparedness Workshop and Full-scale Simulation Exercise."

This international event brought together 65 health professionals from 22 countries across six continents, uniting experts to strengthen and enhance MHPSS preparedness on a global scale. The collaborative effort highlighted Türkiye's commitment to advancing mental health and psychosocial support as critical components of emergency preparedness and disaster risk management.

The workshop, funded by USAID, the EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and the EU Delegation to Türkiye, was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) in close partnership with the Social Inclusion of Persons with Mental Disabilities Project, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Family and Social Services of Türkiye.

Participants engaged in comprehensive discussions and simulation exercises, aiming to refine decision-making processes and improve the integration of mental health support into Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) and Disaster Risk Management (DRM) frameworks. This event underscored the importance of collaboration and shared strategies for protecting mental health during emergencies, equipping countries with practical tools and insights to enhance their response capacities in times of crisis.