Briefing note on addressing mental health and psychosocial aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak: Version 1.1

Inter-Agency Standing Committee IASC Reference group for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings

With inputs from all its member organizations, the IASC MHPSS RG recently finalized a Briefing Note about MHPSS aspects of the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. 

This document summarizes key mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) considerations in relation to the COVID-19 outbreak, such as appropriate MHPSS responses, overarching principles and globally recommended activities. More specifically, it contains useful guidance about how to, during the COVID-19 outbreak:

  • help older adults cope with stress,
  • support the needs of people with disabilities,
  • design messages & activities to help children deal with stress,
  • set up MHPSS activities for adults in isolation/quarantine,
  • provide support to response workers, and
  • circulate community MHPSS messages.

It also contains numerous references and information sources. It is available in English, Chinese (traditional + simplified), and Arabic.  View translations of the briefing note here.

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