In a significant stride toward enhancing the mental health care of landmine survivors, the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is poised to launch its sixth Psychosocial Support Training of Trainers program from September 16 to 20, 2024. This initiative stands as part of the broader ‘Enhance Victim Assistance Programme in the ASEAN Member States’, an ongoing project that commenced in 2022 and has since trained over 247 professionals ranging from medical practitioners to survivor networks throughout the region.
The forthcoming training session is orchestrated in conjunction with the Cambodian Mine Action and Victim Assistance Authorities (CMAA), the Ministry of Health of Cambodia, and Singapore Health Services (SingHealth), marking a significant partnership aimed at bolstering regional expertise in psychosocial support. This collaboration is pivotal, especially for a region that continues to grapple with the aftermath of landmine contamination and the resultant psychosocial distress encountered by survivors.
Scheduled to take place at the Hyatt Regency in Phnom Penh, the training program promises an intensive five-day course encompassing a wide array of topics critical for psychosocial care. Participants will delve into subjects such as trauma management, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), therapeutic communication techniques, and the incorporation of practical tools designed to support survivors emotionally. An engaging mix of role-playing sessions and case studies will prepare the participants to impart their newfound skills comprehensively within their communities.
The upcoming event marks a remarkable milestone in ARMAC’s commitment to advancing psychosocial care. Rothna Buth, ARMAC’s Executive Director, emphasized the transformative potential of this training, stating that it aimed at healing the psychological scars of affected individuals, thereby complementing their physical recovery. The program’s value is amplified by its potential to create a durable network of trained professionals across ASEAN, fostering sustained support for survivors.
H.E. Ms. Teo Lay Cheng, Singapore’s Ambassador to Cambodia, recognized the profound impact of such initiatives in highlighting the steadfast dedication of ASEAN nations toward ameliorating healthcare services for communities impacted by past conflicts. The initiative not only focuses on immediate educational outcomes but also aims at developing a sustainable model whereby local leaders are equipped to continue this essential work autonomously.
The dynamic participation roster features notable contributions from Cambodia’s Ministry of Health and advocacy by the Vice President of the CMAA, H.E Mr. Sophakmonkol Prum, who elucidated on the critical nature of such training in Cambodia—a nation profoundly affected by the remnants of warfare.
This program underscores the importance of comprehensive care frameworks that address both physical and mental health needs, ensuring that survivors can attain not just rehabilitation but also mental resilience. The continuation of this program has been made viable through substantial backing from the Government of the Republic of Korea and the ASEAN Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF), whose pivotal funding and support underline their commitment to eradicating the legacy impacts of landmines across the ASEAN.
Each participant will conclude the training equipped as an accredited trainer, poised to extend their expertise across different nations within ASEAN. This facilitation of knowledge transfer is indicative of ARMAC’s enduring mission to cultivate an environment where the dire circumstances wrought by explosive ordnance are met with equally formidable measures of support and education.
As ARMAC teams up with renowned partners such as SingHealth, it fortifies its stance as a center of excellence in humanitarian aid and victim support, providing a concrete foundation for recovery and resilience among mine-affected populations within the ASEAN landscape. The implications of this training stretch beyond immediate skill enhancement to fostering a robust network of knowledgeable professionals dedicated to supporting the psychosocial well-being of EO survivors.
Source: Fresh News
