Port Moresby - As part of the ongoing response to the landslide in Mulitaka, Enga province, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and the National Directorate of Mental Health and Social Change, recently concluded a series of comprehensive training sessions that focused on Psychological First Aid (PFA), stress and depression management, and health and hygiene promotion. This training initiative aimed to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare personnel and community leaders in providing mental health support and raising health and hygiene awareness among communities affected by the landslide. 

The first phase of the training program included 18 men and 6 women from the health facilities at in Mulitaka and Pokolip in Enga. This phase equipped healthcare workers with essential skills and knowledge crucial for providing PFA, managing stress and depression, and understanding the referral system for individuals experiencing psychological disorders. Strengthening these skills ensures that healthcare providers are prepared to meet the mental health and psychosocial support needs of disaster-affected individuals and those experiencing trauma. 

The second phase was delivered to 167 men and 114 women comprising community leaders, religious leaders, and health volunteers from the five villages in the Mulitaka area namely Yambali, Yuyong, Mulitaka Station, Pokolip, and Kaundak. These sessions emphasized the importance of PFA and health promotion within the community, recognizing the vital role community and religious leaders play in raising awareness and offering comfort and guidance during times of crisis. 

The goal of these training workshops is to empower community leaders to assist their communities effectively. By integrating PFA and health promotion techniques from the grassroots level, the program aims to build resilience and ensure that landslide affected communities receive the necessary support. 

This program is timely as communities continue to cope with the disaster's aftermath. A collaborative approach involving healthcare experts and community leaders is essential for providing timely and culturally appropriate support to those affected by the disaster. 

The implementation of these training programs was made possible through financial contributions from the Government of Japan. 

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For more information, please contact IOM Port Moresby: 

Peter Murorera, Tel: +675 321 36 55, Email: pmurorera@iom.int 
Anne Mandal, Tel: +675 72026763, Email: amandal@iom.int