Uganda: mental health crisis at refugee camps

Written by David Fletcher 12 Dec 2024
Uganda: mental health crisis at refugee camps

The mental health crisis at Kiryandongo refugee camp is escalating, with suicides and suicide attempts surging. Between January and October 2024, 41 suicides and over 130 attempts were recorded, highlighting the profound psychological distress faced by refugees. Many are haunted by memories of past trauma, such as bombings. These ongoing fears disrupt daily life and contribute to widespread mental health struggles. Despite the existence of psychosocial support programs, resources at the camp are insufficient to meet the overwhelming demand. With over 1.7 million refugees in Uganda, local healthcare services are under immense pressure, but specialised care is often inaccessible due to high costs. The UNHCR is calling on governments, the private sector, and international donors to increase funding for mental health programs to address this urgent need.

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