FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HealthRight International Launches Successful Mental Health Support Program “Caring for Carers” for Humanitarian Workers Amidst Ongoing Crisis in Ukraine
New York, NY – August 29, 2024 – HealthRight International is proud to announce the successful completion of a pioneering pilot program, Caring for Carers (C4C), designed to support the mental health and well-being of humanitarian workers in high-stress environments. The program was first implemented in Ukraine, where ongoing conflict has significantly impacted both the local population and the dedicated professionals working to provide essential services.
The war in Ukraine, now extending into its third year, has resulted in widespread displacement, destruction, and psychological trauma. Humanitarian workers operating in this volatile environment are often exposed to extreme stress, leading to burnout and mental health challenges.
Recognizing this critical issue, HealthRight developed the C4C program: a collaboration between the human resources and programming departments, utilizing a co-creation approach with employees across the organization to create responsive policies to support employees. Iterative program development and participatory action learning drive the continued refinement and growth of the program and support it offers to employees.
C4C also features a peer-led group support program, developed by Nawaraj Upadhaya, Director of HealthRight’s Peter C. Alderman Program for Global Mental Health, in collaboration with Courtney Welton-Mitchell from the Colorado School of Public Health. The program’s six comprehensive modules aim to equip humanitarian workers with effective tools to manage stress, address mental health issues, and foster resilient coping mechanisms. C4C guides the organization toward creating a supportive environment for discussing mental health, reducing stigma, and providing practical strategies for emotional self-care.
The peer-led intervention began with the training of 26 HealthRight staff members in Ukraine, who in turn facilitated the C4C modules among over 50% of their colleagues, showing promising results in improving mental health and reducing stress levels. The success in Ukraine has paved the way for the program’s expansion into Kenya and Uganda, where the newly trained facilitators have already completed two rounds of the program. The implementation in Kenya and Uganda includes improved data collection, allowing for more rigorous evaluation to refine and enhance C4C’s effectiveness following the iterative program development approach.
HealthRight International’s CEO, Dr. Peter Navario, stated, “Our humanitarian workers are on the front lines of some of the most challenging humanitarian crises. It is imperative that we support their mental health to ensure they can continue their vital work effectively. The positive outcomes of the pilot program in Ukraine affirm the importance of investing in our staff’s well-being.”
The ongoing evaluation in Kenya and Uganda aims to further refine the program and ensure it meets the diverse needs of aid workers in different contexts. This will open the door for the program to be shared with other organizations, building better health for humanitarian and development staff globally.
For more information about HealthRight International and the Caring for Carers program, please visit healthright.org or contact info@healthright.org.
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About HealthRight International: HealthRight International is a leading global health organization dedicated to advancing the health and human rights of marginalized communities. With a focus on sustainable health solutions and advocacy, HealthRight International works in Kenya, Uganda, Ukraine, and the US to improve access to quality health care and support vulnerable populations.
