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The National Mental Health Programme
The National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) was launched in May 2014 within the Ministry of Public Health with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and International Medical Corps (IMC), with the aim of reforming mental health care in Lebanon and providing services beyond medical treatment at the community level, in line with Human Rights and the latest evidence for best practices.
NMHP Vision: All people living in Lebanon will have the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health and well-being.
Working towards this vision, the NMHP has launched in May 2015, after a process involving all key stakeholders in the country, a Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion, and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon for the period of 2015-2020.
Mission: to ensure the development of a sustainable mental health system that guarantees the provision and universal accessibility of high quality mental health curative and preventive services through a cost-effective, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on community involvement, continuum of care, human rights, and cultural relevance.
The implementation of this Strategy is successfully ongoing since its launching.
The NMHP has also coordinated the development of the "Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021" launched jointly in December 2016 by the ministries of Public Health, Social Affairs, Interior and Municipalities, Justice and Education. The implementation of this Strategy has been initiated.
Download National Mental Health Strategy for Lebanon-(2023-2030)-Draft version for stakeholder reviewWe are in the process of developing the national mental health strategy for Lebanon that will guide the work to be done in the country in the coming 7 years.
The strategy draft is ready, and we would like to receive your input, as a member of the public.
Check the easy-read summary of the strategy draft here:
This summary aims to provide you with a short overview of what the strategy is about and what it aims to achieve, to make it easier to provide
feedback.
Easy-read summary-English The strategy draft is ready, and we would like to receive your input, as a member of the public.
Check the easy-read summary of the strategy draft here:
This summary aims to provide you with a short overview of what the strategy is about and what it aims to achieve, to make it easier to provide
feedback.
Easy-read summary-Arabic
Check the full version of the strategy draft here:
DRAFT-National Mental Health Strategy 2023-2030-English
DRAFT-National Mental Health Strategy 2023-2030-Arabic
How can you share your opinion on the Strategy draft?
By writing your input on the following online feedback form
bit.ly/3WGN5VH
Deadline: June 23, 2023
The Ministry of Public Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and International Medical Corps (IMC), launched on the 14th of May 2015 the Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion, and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020.
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With the vision that all people living in Lebanon will have the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health and wellbeing, the mission driving the Strategy is:
To ensure the development of a sustainable mental health system that guarantees the provision and universal accessibility of high quality mental health curative and preventive services through a cost-effective, evidence-based and multidisciplinary approach, with an emphasis on community involvement, continuum of care, human rights, and cultural relevance.
The strategy document was the result of a participatory process involving all actors in the field of mental health and substance use in Lebanon as well as international experts. The strategy underwent many stages of consultations to ensure that it addresses all national priorities identified by the main actors in the field.
To download the strategy, please click on the link below:
Mental Health and Substance Use Prevention, Promotion and Treatment Strategy for Lebanon 2015-2020
- To assess the level of the implementation of the strategy and the progress towards the achievement of the expected results
- To asses the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation through examining conducive factors as well as challenges that need to be addressed.
- To provide recommendations for the effective and efficient implementation and monitoring of the remaining part of the strategy towards mental health reform.
Executive summary of the external mid-term evaluation report of the Lebanon National Mental Health Strategy
To read the full report, click on the link below:
Report of the external mid-term evaluation of the Lebanon National Mental Health Strategy Map of organizations providing substance use and rehabilitation services in Lebanon
Substance use and rehabilitation services map- Lebanon
The “Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021” was launched by the Ministries of Public Health, Social Affairs, Education and Higher Education, Interior and Municipalities and Justice in December 2016.The domains of action of the strategy cover all the spectrum of response to substance use (alcohol, drugs and tobacco use): the prevention of substance use disorders; the harm reduction, treatment, rehabilitation and re-integration into society of persons with substance use disorders, and supply reduction.
The strategy aims at:
- Increased availability of high quality age and gender sensitive prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, social re-integration and harm reduction services and
- Increased accessibility to these services,
- Increased protection of human rights of persons with substance use disorders, and
- Increased efficiency and effectiveness of supply reduction activities.
The achievement of the above goals will assist on the long-term in:
- Decreasing prevalence of substance use disorders
- Delaying the age of onset of substance use
- Decreasing the prevalence of communicable diseases among People Who Inject Drugs
- Decreasing the number of overdose cases
- Decreasing the stigmaaround persons with substance use disorders
To download the strategy, please click on the link below:
Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021
To download the press release of the Strategy launching, please click on the link below:
Press Release: Launching of the Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 201-2021
Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021
To download the press release of the Strategy launching, please click on the link below:
Press Release: Launching of the Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 201-2021
In response to the escalating situation and war on Lebanon, the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) has developed and is currently implementing with all stakeholders the:
“National Intersectoral MHPSS Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan: In the Context of the Risk of War on Lebanon "
Developed through a collaborative approach by the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) with the support of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and all MHPSS Stakeholders (please refer to the action plan for a full list), this comprehensive plan outlines a proactive approach to anticipating, mitigating, and responding to the psychosocial impacts by focusing on early intervention and support to minimize the adverse effects on individuals, healthcare personnel and communities. It underscores the commitment of the MoPH and the NMHP to safeguard mental health and respond timely and effectively to the psychosocial needs of all populations residing in Lebanon during times of crisis while promoting their resilience.
Key Features of the Plan:
“National Intersectoral MHPSS Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan: In the Context of the Risk of War on Lebanon "
Developed through a collaborative approach by the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) with the support of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and all MHPSS Stakeholders (please refer to the action plan for a full list), this comprehensive plan outlines a proactive approach to anticipating, mitigating, and responding to the psychosocial impacts by focusing on early intervention and support to minimize the adverse effects on individuals, healthcare personnel and communities. It underscores the commitment of the MoPH and the NMHP to safeguard mental health and respond timely and effectively to the psychosocial needs of all populations residing in Lebanon during times of crisis while promoting their resilience.
Key Features of the Plan:
- Continuity of MHPSS Services: The plan highlights actions to ensure the continued availability and accessibility of MHPSS services across Lebanon.
- Assurance of Psychotropic Medications: The plan emphasizes ensuring the continuous supply and access to psychotropic medications to all old and new beneficiaries.
- Communication and Messaging: The plan prioritizes the development and dissemination of key messages and tips on topics related to mental health and well-being that would promote community resilience.
- Training and Capacity Building: The plan places a strong emphasis on training healthcare professionals and frontline responders in MHPSS principles and practices to provide effective support to service users and providers.
The MoPH is implementing this action plan with all stakeholders, including governmental bodies, local authorities and municipalities, non-governmental organizations, healthcare providers, frontliners, and the international community - Please do reach out if your organization is interested to join in implementing this crucial plan and working together to ensure the mental health and psychosocial support of Lebanon’s residents during times of adversity.
Kindly find a selection of valuable links below:
Kindly find a selection of valuable links below:
- Registration link for PFA Trainings: https://forms.gle/NzJe3mEYynuCKemr6
- Key messages and videos: Link
- 4Ws platform: https://mhis.nmhp-lb.com/#/account/login
To view the action plan which is under implementation, click: here If you are a relief frontliner on the ground, these tips are to help you support others! Download brief
كيفية دعم شخص ما بعد حدث صادم نصائح تستند إلى الإسعافات النفسية الأولية: تحميل الارشادات Recommendations on how to help children cope with a traumatic event:
Click to download: English / Arabic Helpful tips for OBGYN and midwives when supporting women who are pregnant or women who have recently given birth (around he time of Beirut explosion).
Click to dowload: English / Arabic Directory of mental health professionals for mental health support for persons affected by Beirut explosion:
Goals:
- Promote mental health and mitigate COVID-19 related stressors including stigma and discrimination against persons affected and health workers.
- Provide mental health support to the persons in quarantine in the hospital or at home and their families.
- Support the mental health of health workers and first responders in the response.
- Ensure continuity of mental health care for persons using mental health services in line with IPC guidelines.
To view the action plan, click here: National Action Plan for MHPSS Response to COVID-19
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The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) through the National Mental Health Programme, UNICEF, UNDP, the World Health Organization and Abaad have joined forces together to break the stigma associated with the novel corona virus (COVID-19), in line with the nation action plan for the MHPSS response to COVID-19. Under the slogan “#TheRealTest”, the national campaign was launched on several TV outlets with a synchronized introduction of primetime news. |
For more information on the campaign: Press release (Eng) / Press release (Ar)
Check out:
- Campaign launch with synchronized introduction of prime time news: Watch
- Campaign feature film: Watch
- Messages of Hope from Celebrities:
| Watch Assi El Hellani | Watch Claudia Marchelian | Watch Wissam Breidy |
| Watch Halima Tabia | Watch Mohammad Kais | Watch Raneem Bou Zakhem |
| Watch Pierre Rabat |
- Stories of solidarity from the community:
- From Safad El Batikh
- From Zahleh
- From Barja
- Tipsheet for media professionals on coverage of COVID-19: Download Arabic / Download English
Patient leaflet on coping with stress during quarantine: Click here
Poster for quarantines: Click here
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| Type | Signature | Number | Date | Topic | Document |
| Circular | Minister of Public Health |
9 | 9-3-2022 | Related to providing specialized mental health medications in primary health care centers |
Circular Number 9: Related to providing specialized mental health medications in primary health care centers |
| Decision | Minister of Public Health | 271/1 | 25/02/2019 | Related to the Assessment of the Health Status of Patients Transferred from Al-Fanar Hospital | Decision Number 271/1: Related to the Assessment of the Health Status of Patients Transferred from Al-Fanar Hospital |
| Decision | Minister of Public Health | 270/1 | 25/02/2019 | Related to the Quality of Care and Human Rights in the Field of Mental Health | Decision Number 270/1: Related to the Quality of Care of Human Rights in the Field of Mental Health |
|
Circular |
Director General |
60 |
20/06/2018 |
Related to the rational prescription of medication for priority mental and neurological conditions for specialists in the public health system |
|
| Circular | Director General | 112 | 27/11/2018 | Related to limiting the practice of the profession of psychologist in healthcare and educational institutions exclusively to professionals who have the license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health | Circular Number 112: Related to limiting the practice of the profession of psychologist in healthcare and educational institutions exclusively to professionals who have the license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health |
| Circular | Director General | 113 | 22/11/2018 | Related to the mandatory licensing for the practice of the profession of Psychologist (clinical and educational) | Circular number 113: related to the mandatory licensing for the practice of the profession of Psychologist (clinical and educational) |
| Decision | Minister of Public Health | 1155 | 19-06-2018 | Decision related to the National Mental Health Programme | Decision number 1155: related to the National Mental Health Programme |
| Circular | Director General | 22 | 09-03-2018 | Regulation of studies and research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support | Circular number 22: related to the regulation of studies and research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support |
| Annexe | 1320/1 | 02-2018 | Guidelines issued by the National Mental Health Program in the Ministry of Public Health regarding the necessary procedures and documents needed to obtain a license to practice clinical and non-clinical (educational) psychology profession. | Guidelines issued by the National Mental Health Program in the Ministry of Public Health regarding the necessary procedures and documents needed to obtain a license to practice clinical and non-clinical (educational) psychology profession. | |
| Circular | Director General | 48 | 12-06-2017 | Regulation of research in the field of mental health | Circular number 48: Related to the regulation of research in the field of mental health |
| Circular | Director General | 64 | 12-06-2017 | Projects related to MHPSS and substance use in Lebanon | Circular number 64: Projects related to MHPSS and substance use in Lebanon |
| Circular | Director General | 46 | 22-03-2016 | Request to hospitals to not report on overdose | Circular number 46: related to the request to hospitals to not report on overdose |
| Type | Signature | Number | Date | Topic | Document |
| Circular | Minister of Public Health |
9 | 9-3-2022 | Related to providing specialized mental health medications in primary health care centers |
Circular Number 9: Related to providing specialized mental health medications in primary health care centers |
| Decision | Minister of Public Health | 271/1 | 25/02/2019 | Related to the Assessment of the Health Status of Patients Transferred from Al-Fanar Hospital | Decision Number 271/1: Related to the Assessment of the Health Status of Patients Transferred from Al-Fanar Hospital |
| Decision | Minister of Public Health | 270/1 | 25/02/2019 | Related to the Quality of Care and Human Rights in the Field of Mental Health | Decision Number 270/1: Related to the Quality of Care of Human Rights in the Field of Mental Health |
|
Circular |
Director General |
60 |
20/06/2018 |
Related to the rational prescription of medication for priority mental and neurological conditions for specialists in the public health system |
|
| Circular | Director General | 112 | 27/11/2018 | Related to limiting the practice of the profession of psychologist in healthcare and educational institutions exclusively to professionals who have the license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health | Circular Number 112: Related to limiting the practice of the profession of psychologist in healthcare and educational institutions exclusively to professionals who have the license to practice from the Ministry of Public Health |
| Circular | Director General | 113 | 22/11/2018 | Related to the mandatory licensing for the practice of the profession of Psychologist (clinical and educational) | Circular number 113: related to the mandatory licensing for the practice of the profession of Psychologist (clinical and educational) |
| Decision | Minister of Public Health | 1155 | 19-06-2018 | Decision related to the National Mental Health Programme | Decision number 1155: related to the National Mental Health Programme |
| Circular | Director General | 22 | 09-03-2018 | Regulation of studies and research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support | Circular number 22: related to the regulation of studies and research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support |
| Annexe | 1320/1 | 02-2018 | Guidelines issued by the National Mental Health Program in the Ministry of Public Health regarding the necessary procedures and documents needed to obtain a license to practice clinical and non-clinical (educational) psychology profession. | Guidelines issued by the National Mental Health Program in the Ministry of Public Health regarding the necessary procedures and documents needed to obtain a license to practice clinical and non-clinical (educational) psychology profession. | |
| Circular | Director General | 48 | 12-06-2017 | Regulation of research in the field of mental health | Circular number 48: Related to the regulation of research in the field of mental health |
| Circular | Director General | 64 | 12-06-2017 | Projects related to MHPSS and substance use in Lebanon | Circular number 64: Projects related to MHPSS and substance use in Lebanon |
| Circular | Director General | 46 | 22-03-2016 | Request to hospitals to not report on overdose | Circular number 46: related to the request to hospitals to not report on overdose |
These guidelines intend to promote the growth of a sustainable mental health practice that ensures access to high-quality mental health services. It is also intended to serve as a guiding tool to professionals in the public health system with the sole purpose of supporting Maternal and Child Mental Health.
Maternal Mental Health Guidelines for Healthcare Providers
The National Mental Health Programme in the Ministry of Public Health with the support of the World Health Organization developed a Practical Guide for Media Professionals on the Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Use. The guide is designed to be used by journalists, news reporters, anchors, television shows hosts, social media bloggers, script writers and other media professionals. It is contextualized and culturally adapted to the media scene in Lebanon so as to answer questions related to mental health and substance use. The guide helps media professionals produce successful media outputs on mental health and substance use. It was prepared based on findings from interviews with media professionals which aimed to explore their needs and the challenges they face when addressing mental health and substance use topics.
Practical Guide for Media Professionals on the Coverage of Mental Health and Substance Use The aim of these Accreditation Standards is to improve the quality of care and to ensure the protection of Human Rights for persons in Residential Substance Use Rehabilitation facilities in Lebanon. They have been developed in line with strategic objective 2.3.2 of the “Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021”, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs and reviewed by local and international experts in the field.
Accreditation standards for residential substance use rehabilitation programmes -Lebanon 2019 The “Guide for the rational prescription of medications for priority mental and neurological conditions for specialists in the public health system” constitutes a reference document for evidence-based and culturally appropriate decision-making for pharmacological treatment of priority mental and neurological conditions. This guide is based on the “National List of Psychotropic and Neurological Medications for Humanitarian Response, v2.0” which was developed to harmonize the procurement and provision of medications amongst all actors. In addition, a separate list of medical tests needed to monitor the side effects of these medications (as per the guide) is available in English and French.
In line with the continuum of care, this guide advocates for the rational medication prescription based on the national list and highlights the importance of the psychosocial component in the treatment of mental and neurological conditions as part of the holistic person-centred care.
This guide was made possible through the fruitful collaboration between the MOPH and the World Health Organization. The process of development encompassed two rounds of technical review from experts at local and international levels.
The guide is available in English and French.
Psychotropic Medication guide- English
Guide des medicaments Psychotropes- Francais
As part of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Task Force (MHPSS TF) action plan set every year to address challenges faced in MHPSS work, recruitment criteria for mental health professionals working in the humanitarian field were developed with the aim of ensuring that professionals with the minimum needed qualifications are employed.
These criteria are recommended to use by all organizations operating in this field in Lebanon
To download the recruitment criteria, please click on the link below:
Recruitment Criteria for Professionals Working in Mental Health in Humanitarian Settings-V.1
To view list, click here: Link
Note: "Only psychologists who are members of the order are entitled to practice their profession on the Lebanese territories, provided they are issued a licence to practice their profession in Lebanon from the Ministry of Public Health."
Read the press release of the national mental health campaign 2019
Read the MOPH’s speech
Watch the short video of the Launching event: Link
Watch the video of the Campaign: Link
"Time to talk"
The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), launched the third National Awareness Campaign on Mental Health “Time_To_Talk” “صار_وقت_نحكي”, under the sponsorship of the World Health Organization (WHO), ABAAD, International Medical Corps (IMC), and Medecins du Monde, through an official launching event open to the public in Nejmeh Square in the capital’s centre on Friday September 14, 2018. The campaign extended for a month until October 10, 2018, World Mental Health Day. The aim of the campaign is to encourage persons to speak about mental health anytime and anywhere and to encourage people to listen and support persons when they need to seek care.
Read the press release of the national mental health campaign 2018:
Press release
Watch the campaign awareness video:
"Time to talk"
Watch the short documentary on public perception of mental health:
Public perception of mental health
Watch the overview of the National Mental Health Launching event:
National Mental Health Launching event
Watch the Mental Health Testimonials:
Mental Health Testimonials
Check out the campaign key messages:
"Depression: Let's Talk About It to Get Out of It"
The Ministry of Public Health launched on April 7 the National Mental Health Campaign 2017 "Depression: Let's Talk About IT to Get Out of It" on the occasion of World Health Day.
Watch the campaign awareness video:
Read the informational brochure about depression:
Informational Brochure-Depression
View the list of Primary Health Care Centres and university hospitals where you can access mental health services:
- List of Primary Health Care Centres in the MOPH network providing services in mental health- v1.1
- List of University Hospitals providing services in mental health collaborating in the campaign
View the poster of the campaign:
Poster- Depression
Watch the Documentary about "Mental Health in Lebanon: Vision and Achievements"
"My Mental Health is my Right"
The Ministry of Public Health launched on November 10, 2015, the National Mental Health Campaign 2015 "My Mental Health is my Right".
Watch the campaign awareness video:
"My Mental Health is my right"
Read the informational brochure about mental health:
Informational Brochure- My Mental Health is my Right
Read the press release of the national mental health campaign 2015:
Press release
The National Initiative for Mental health in the workplace was launched on September 18, 2019 by the Ministry of Public Health.
Why?
Several factors affect our mental health, be it personal, social or professional with impacts which can be both positive or negative. Thus, what is the link between mental health and the workplace? In fact, we spend most of our lives at work and work in and by itself protects us from mental disorders. However, a mentally unhealthy work environment - that is, one that is loaded with stress and poor managerial and organizational practices which affect the mental health of staff - can increase the risk of mental disorders, especially depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders. An unhealthy work environment, through its impact on staff, can increase staff absenteeism and turnover and cause low productivity levels, all in all translating into major economic losses. On the other hand, workplaces which promote and protect mental health score high levels of productivity and return on investments through interventions aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace.
Objective:
To support employers to ensure mentally healthy workplaces for them, their teams and their business to thrive.
How?
This initiative includes: Statement of intent, which employers are encouraged to sign, which outlines the key principles and procedures to be implemented by employers if they want to be on the right track and commit themselves to the protection and promotion of mental health in their workplace. By signing the Charter and pledging to implement it, employers are taking a major step towards the success of their organizations and contributing to the national vision that aims to give "all individuals in Lebanon the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health".
Visit the website to take the Pledge or learn more: mhworkplace.moph.gov.lb
Learn more: Link to NMH campaign page
Why?
Several factors affect our mental health, be it personal, social or professional with impacts which can be both positive or negative. Thus, what is the link between mental health and the workplace? In fact, we spend most of our lives at work and work in and by itself protects us from mental disorders. However, a mentally unhealthy work environment - that is, one that is loaded with stress and poor managerial and organizational practices which affect the mental health of staff - can increase the risk of mental disorders, especially depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders. An unhealthy work environment, through its impact on staff, can increase staff absenteeism and turnover and cause low productivity levels, all in all translating into major economic losses. On the other hand, workplaces which promote and protect mental health score high levels of productivity and return on investments through interventions aimed at promoting mental health in the workplace.
Objective:
To support employers to ensure mentally healthy workplaces for them, their teams and their business to thrive.
How?
This initiative includes: Statement of intent, which employers are encouraged to sign, which outlines the key principles and procedures to be implemented by employers if they want to be on the right track and commit themselves to the protection and promotion of mental health in their workplace. By signing the Charter and pledging to implement it, employers are taking a major step towards the success of their organizations and contributing to the national vision that aims to give "all individuals in Lebanon the opportunity to enjoy the best possible mental health".
- National web portal on mental health in the workplace:
Visit the website to take the Pledge or learn more: mhworkplace.moph.gov.lb
- The National Mental Health Campaign:
Learn more: Link to NMH campaign page
Information, Education and Communication material
Information, Education and Communication material about different Mental Health topics. The aim of this material is to provide information and increase awareness on mental health topics (Signs and symptoms, causes and risks factors, treatments and ways to help oneself or to seek help).
Assessments
This report presents results, main findings and recommendations from the assessment conducted in August-September 2013 for the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services provided for Syrian refugees in Lebanon commissioned by UNHCR. The objectives of this assessment were:
-Reviewing existing data on MHPSS provided for Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
-Mapping the NGOs providing MHPSS services in Beirut, Bekaa, South and North Lebanon (4Ws).
-Assessing the conformity of programmes and services to international guidelines such as IASC guidelines, Psychological First Aid and the WHO mental health Gap Action Programme intervention guide (mhGAP-IG), taking into consideration the accessibility, the acceptability, the affordability and the quality of care.
-Assessing the coordination between different actors.
-Analysing existing models, highlighting the gaps, reflecting on the particular context of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and provide practical recommendations to UNCHR.
Assessment of mental health and psychosocial support services for Syrian refugees in Lebanon
Articles
To read the article, click on the following link: Link This article, published in the Humanitarian exchange, shares Lebanon’s experience and lessons learned in mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) response coordination following the Syrian crisis. Lessons learned and key considerations for MHPSS coordination are put forth.
To read the article, click on the following link: Link
These two letters to the Editor, published in the Lancet Journal, provide an overview of the situation in Lebanon amidst the Syrian crisis and the resilience of the health system against all odds. They particularly shed light on the establishment of a national mental health programme and the launching of a mental health system reform in Lebanon, as an example of turning adversity into positive change. The factors that have led to this growth are highlighted. The authors nevertheless warn about the importance of bearing in mind the major impact that social determinants have on mental health and stress that effective action for mental health will be hindered unless these determinants, such as ongoing conflict, displacement and socio-political injustices, are addressed.
1.Syrian crisis and mental health system reform in Lebanon-Correspondence- Vol384- Lancet Journal-August2014
2.Mental health reform in Lebanon and the Syrian crisis. Correspondence- Vol3- Lancet Journal-March2016 This article indicates that evidence on substance use in Lebanon shows an increase in usage, limited availability and accessibility to evidence-based services, and high level of stigma and discrimination. In line with the “Mental Health and Substance Use Strategy for Lebanon 2015–2020”, the Ministry of Public Health initiated the process of developing a strategy focused on substance use response to address these challenges in collaboration with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, Interior and Municipalities, Justice and Social Affairs. The result of this process was a strategy launched jointly by the ministries including six domains of action covering the whole spectrum of substance use response with strategic objectives addressing the identified challenges.
Download Developing an inter-ministerial substance use response strategy for Lebanon: process, content and lessons learned This article, published in the British Journal of Psychiatry, provides an overview of the mental health situation in Lebanon amidst the Syrian crisis. Research involving refugees conducted in Lebanon since the onset of the Syrian crisis points to a clear increase in mental disorders in the young and adult Syrian refugee population in association with that crisis. At the policy level, despite the great strain on its health system, Lebanon has undertaken a reform of the mental health system through the implementation of a 5-year national mental health strategy which aims at improving the opportunities for better mental health and wellbeing for all persons living in Lebanon, regardless of nationality.
Download Lebanon: mental health system reform and the Syrian crisis
Policy briefs
Decreasing suicide is a target of the 2030 sustainable development agenda and the global mental health action plan. If not addressed, suicide has huge impact on individuals, families, societies, and humanity as a whole.
To read the brief: English / Arabic
Download Policy Brief NMHP InnovFair FINAL1.4.16.pdf
Policy brief highlighting main policy recommendations related to the mental health system reform in Lebanon.
Reports
- To assess the level of the implementation of the strategy and the progress towards the achievement of the expected results
- To asses the efficiency and effectiveness of the implementation through examining conducive factors as well as challenges that need to be addressed.
- To provide recommendations for the effective and efficient implementation and monitoring of the remaining part of the strategy towards mental health reform.
Executive summary of the external mid-term evaluation report of the Lebanon National Mental Health Strategy
To read the full report, click on the link below:
Report of the external mid-term evaluation of the Lebanon National Mental Health Strategy
The World Health Organization Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) was used to collect information on the mental health system in Lebanon.
This included assessment of the policy and legislative framework; mental health services; mental health in primary health care; human resources; public education and links with other sectors; and monitoring and research.
The goal of collecting this information is to enable policy makers to develop information-based mental health plans with clear base-line information and targets.
This assessment took place between February 2015 and July 2015, and data retrieved is based on the year 2014 and collected from facility, district/regional, and national levels.
This included assessment of the policy and legislative framework; mental health services; mental health in primary health care; human resources; public education and links with other sectors; and monitoring and research.
The goal of collecting this information is to enable policy makers to develop information-based mental health plans with clear base-line information and targets.
This assessment took place between February 2015 and July 2015, and data retrieved is based on the year 2014 and collected from facility, district/regional, and national levels.
Mappings of services
Mapping of services for response to substance use disorders - 2017 Map of organizations providing substance use and rehabilitation services in Lebanon
Substance use and rehabilitation services map- Lebanon
Report of the mapping exercise conducted by the National Mental Health Programme for the year 2014 using the WHO “4Ws” mapping tool, which is an essential component for locating, assessing, coordinating and planning MHPSS services.
The report compares the 2014 results to those of the previous and first mapping exercise of the 4Ws in Lebanon published in the December 2013 UNHCR commissioned report, "Assessment of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon" to display the changes in service delivery.
The report concludes with a set of recommendations in relation to five main domains: training, service provision, research, coordination and the future “4Ws” mappings.
Publications of the National Observatory on Drugs and Drug Addiction (NODDA)
The National Observatry on Drugs and Drug Addiction (NODDA) was launched by the Ministry of Public Health in 2016 in line with the implementation of a strategic objective of the “Inter-ministerial Substance Use Response Strategy for Lebanon 2016-2021”.
The NODDA plays a key role in collecting, analyzing and generating evidence from national databases that can inform policy and service development.
Read more on: http://www.moph.gov.lb/en/Pages/3/4771/narcotics-#/en/view/10643/national-observatory-on-drugs-and-drug-addiction
This is the first report of the National Observatory on Drugs and Drug Addiction on the drug situation in Lebanon The report focuses on drug prevalence, market, policy, treatment and prevention in Lebanon. The reporting period extends between 2000 and 2016 inclusive.The NODDA plays a key role in collecting, analyzing and generating evidence from national databases that can inform policy and service development.
Read more on: http://www.moph.gov.lb/en/Pages/3/4771/narcotics-#/en/view/10643/national-observatory-on-drugs-and-drug-addiction
To view the report, please click on the following link:
NODDA report- 2017
To learn more about the event, watch this video: Link What progress has been made in strengthening the evidence base on effective mental health and psychosocial support approaches in humanitarian contexts and translating this into good practice? What are the barriers to implementing MHPSS interventions for people affected by humanitarian crises? Panellists in this discussion discuss these questions drawing on articles in the latest issue of Humanitarian Exchange magazine and their own research and experience. Representing the MOPH Lebanon-National Mental Health Programme, Nour Kik discusses the mental health response to the Syrian crisis in Lebanon, with a focus on mental health and psychosocial support coordination.
To watch the panel click on the following link: Link Watch the Documentary about the vision of the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon for mental health and the achievements that have been done so far to reform the mental health system in the country in collaboration with different stakeholders.
" Ask the Policy Expert" webinars are a series of webinars organized by the Mental Health Innovation Network to discuss each major objective of the WHO’s comprehensive mental health action plan 2013-2020, to learn more about the approaches used by policy makers to implement mental health programs and how policy makers are aiming to achieve the action plan targets.
Dr Rabih El Chammay, Head of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) of Lebanon, was invited to participate in the first episode of the webinar series to talk about the NMHP launched in May 2014 by the MOPH in Lebanon with the support of WHO, UNICEF and International Medical Corps (IMC).
http://www.mhinnovation.net/new-series-ask-policy-expert-dr-rabih-el-chammay-lebanon
Mental health disorders touch rich and poor, young and old, in every country around the world. In the first episode of an audio show published by Nature Journal in collaboration with Grand Challenges, three experts, including Dr. Rabih El Chammay, head of the National Mental Health Programme at the Ministry of Public Health in Lebanon, discuss the evidence for interventions, how to get help to the right people, and which challenge, if solved, would help the most. In addition to discussing the priorities in global mental health, Dr. Chammay highlights the work being done by the MOPH in reforming the mental health system in Lebanon.
To hear the podcast, click on the link below:
Podcast appears here with permission from Nature Research.
The Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Task Force is a coordination body chaired by the Ministry of Public Health and co-chaired by WHO and UNICEF, which comprises around 60 organisations working in the MHPSS response (UN agencies, local and international NGOs and ministries).
Its mission is to ensure an effective, coordinated and focused inter-agency response to the MHPSS needs of the persons affected by the Syrian crisis and the host population in Lebanon through identifying and addressing the gaps, promoting the importance of MHPSS at all levels as well as developing standards and building the capacity of the MHPSS sector.
To achieve this mission, an annual action plan is developed by the task force to focus its work on addressing the identified gaps and priorities.
The task force meets on a monthly basis at central level in Beirut and at regional level in the Bekaa, in the North, and in the South.
Its mission is to ensure an effective, coordinated and focused inter-agency response to the MHPSS needs of the persons affected by the Syrian crisis and the host population in Lebanon through identifying and addressing the gaps, promoting the importance of MHPSS at all levels as well as developing standards and building the capacity of the MHPSS sector.
To achieve this mission, an annual action plan is developed by the task force to focus its work on addressing the identified gaps and priorities.
The task force meets on a monthly basis at central level in Beirut and at regional level in the Bekaa, in the North, and in the South.
MHPSS Task Force Minutes of Meetings
The MHPSS Task Force Minutes of Meeting are the official record of discussions and decisions made during meetings with MHPSS TF members. These meetings usually bring together various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), mental health professionals, and humanitarian organizations, to coordinate and strategize mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) services, particularly in crisis or disaster situations.
February 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
March 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
April 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
May 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
June 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
July 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
August 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
September 2024 MHPSS TF MOM
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Indicators
The Mental Health and Psycho Social (MHPSS) indicators are designed to monitor the accessibility to and quality of the available MHPSS services provided by MHPSS non-governmental and humanitarian actors.
The main purposes of these indicators are:
- To monitor the access of persons with mental disorders to doctors trained on Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), psychologists and psychiatrists
- To monitor the trend of mental health diagnosis
- To follow-up on specific vulnerable groups and decrease risk of relapses and suicide
- To empower the persons with mental disorders and their caregivers
- To increase reporting of persons benefiting from psychosocial activities through reporting on some Child Protection (CP) indicators related to PSS activities
- To increase the number of staff trained on evidence based mental health interventions
- To increase the number of staff benefiting from staff care activities
MHPSS indicators- V1.4
The main purposes of these indicators are:
- To monitor the access of persons with mental disorders to doctors trained on Mental Health Gap Action Program (mhGAP), psychologists and psychiatrists
- To monitor the trend of mental health diagnosis
- To follow-up on specific vulnerable groups and decrease risk of relapses and suicide
- To empower the persons with mental disorders and their caregivers
- To increase reporting of persons benefiting from psychosocial activities through reporting on some Child Protection (CP) indicators related to PSS activities
- To increase the number of staff trained on evidence based mental health interventions
- To increase the number of staff benefiting from staff care activities
MHPSS indicators- V1.4
Minutes of meetings
Beirut
Bekaa
| 2016 | 2017 |
| MoM-MHPSS TF-Bekaa-20-Dec16 MoM-MHPSS TF-Bekaa-25-Oct16 MoM-MHPSS TF-Bekaa-27-Sep16 MoM-MHPSS TF-Bekaa-01-May16 |
MoM-MHPSS TF-Bekaa-28 Feb17 MoM-MHPSS TF-Bekaa-24-Jan17 |
North
South
Timings of meetings
| Area | Day | Timing | Location |
| Central (Beirut and Mount-Lebanon) | Second Tuesday of every month | 2pm-3pm | WHO conference room (-1), Lebanese University General Directorate (Glass Building), Mathaf |
| South | First Tuesday of every month | 10am-11am | Alternating locations between Saida, Sarafand and Sour |
| North | First Wednesday fo every month | 2pm-3pm | Restart Center, Tripoli |
| Bekaa | Fourth Tuesday of every month | 12pm-1pm | UNHCR, Zahleh |
Terms of Reference
In line with MOPH Director General Circular 22 issued on 9/3/2018 related to the regulation of research in the field of mental health and psychosocial support and substance use in Lebanon, all organizations intending to conduct a study in this field involving displaced/refugee populations should apply for official approval to conduct the study from the MOPH.
For further details, check out Circular 22 here: English / Arabic
To submit an application, please fill this form:
Application to Conduct Research in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support and/or Substance Use in Lebanon-Form
The National Mental Health Program (NMHP) newsletter is a quarterly publication which provides up-to-date news and information about the NMHP activities.
Would you like to subscribe to the NMHP newsletter mailing list?
By subscribing to the newsletter you can see at a glance interesting updates, projects and events related to mental health in Lebanon.
Subscription to the newsletter e-mail list is open to all individuals who are interested in mental health in Lebanon. Subscribing to this list means that you will receive regular e-mail messages containing the latest newsletters.
Please fill out the form below to subscribe to the NMHP newsletter:
NMHP newsletter subscription form
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 10
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 09
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 08
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 07
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 06
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 05
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 04
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 03
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 02
- National Mental Health Programme Newsletter - Issue 01
Would you like to subscribe to the NMHP newsletter mailing list?
By subscribing to the newsletter you can see at a glance interesting updates, projects and events related to mental health in Lebanon.
Subscription to the newsletter e-mail list is open to all individuals who are interested in mental health in Lebanon. Subscribing to this list means that you will receive regular e-mail messages containing the latest newsletters.
Please fill out the form below to subscribe to the NMHP newsletter:
NMHP newsletter subscription form
The National Mental Health Programme’s internal resources can be found in this section.
The National Lifeline is a hotline that provides a safe space for anyone experiencing severe psychological distress or having thoughts of harming themselves or taking their own life to talk to people who will listen. Lifeline staff are trained and supervised by mental health professionals and provide:
- Actively listening to the caller.
- Providing psychological and moral support.
- Assessing the severity of suicidal thoughts and providing support in reducing the risk of suicide.
- Directing the caller when needed to mental health services available in Lebanon.
Discover evidence-based self-help strategies and techniques to manage stress and promote well-being. What is the SH+ Podcast?
The SH+ Podcast is based on a five-session stress management training programme developed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) for groups (approximately 30 people at a time). The key skills from the programme have been extracted, shortened, re-recorded and turned into a five-episode audio podcast that you can listen to whenever you want!
In these five episodes, you will learn practical tools and exercises to manage stress, and everyday sources of stress, to promote well-being.
The SH+ Podcast also features an accompanying video guide, “Doing What Matters in Times of Stress”. The guide adds a unique visual experience, provides a deeper understanding of the concepts covered in the episodes and ensures that you get the most out of each episode. Click here to get the video guide in Arabic and English.
In addition to the National Mental Health Programme podcast episodes. Click here for a summary of the mental health services available in Lebanon and provided by the National Mental Health Programme.
Who is Where, When, doing What (4Ws) in Mental Health, Psychosocial and Protection Support in Jordan - Interventions Mapping Exercise (March - April 2012)
Who is Doing What, Where and When (4Ws) in Mental Health & Psychosocial Support in Jordan - Interventions Mapping Exercise, October 2014
The “4Ws” in Lebanon: Who’s doing What, Where and Until When in Mental Health and Psychosocial Support - Interventions Mapping Exercise
A list of mental health and psychosocial support services in Lebanon is available through an online platform hosted by the National Mental Health Programme at the Ministry of Public Health and can be accessed through this link. You can access the platform by scanning this QR code with your phone: A series of videos on self-care presented by the National Mental Health Program and the World Health Organization in Lebanon. In this series, you will discover the concept of self-care and the impact of stress on mental health, and learn techniques and exercises to help you deal with stress, especially related to the work environment. WHO-AIMS REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH SYSTEM IN LEBANON
Atlas 2017 - English
Atlas Lebanon 2017
CMR Facilities – May 2024
Mobile Crisis Team
Link to Guiding Documents for Capacity Building PHCCs List with Psychiatrist Sept 24, 2024
Where can you find affordable _ free mental health services in Lebanon_ Flyer-AR-Digital-NMHP
Where can you find affordable _ free mental health services in Lebanon_ Flyer-EN-Digital-NMHP
Laws and Regulations Link Mental Health Campaigns, National - Link Mental Health Conditions, Awareness - Link Mental Health Diploma - Link Mental Health Professionals - Link National Strategy and Related Documents - Link Newsletters - Link Psychotropic Medications - Link Research and Publications - Link Response to National Emergencies (i.e. Beirut Blast, COVID-19, etc.) - Link Step-by-Step (SBS) - Link Substance Use - Link Suicide - Link Syrian Crisis - Link Videos - Link
Email: mentalhealth@moph.gov.lb
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