Mental Health Congo, Democratic Republic of the Project #50184

MUTIMA CENTRE HEALS TRAUMA AT SOUTH KIVU

by Coopera - Jovenes para la cooperacion internacional al desarrollo

MUTIMA CENTRE HEALS TRAUMA AT SOUTH KIVU

Summary

Coopera Congo provides psychosocial treatment to heal the collective trauma of South Kivu people and build their resilience in the face of conflict, epidemics, and natural disasters. The MUTIMA Psychosocial Reference Center is under construction. The center includes specialized services for the psychological and psychiatric treatment of adults and children. With this project, we will build 4 therapy rooms, hire 4 psychologists, and train them to care for 400 people per month.

$38,532
total goal

$29,583
remaining

65
donors

5
monthly donors

2
years

Challenge

According to the United Nations Joint Human Rights Office, the number of human rights violations in the DRC increased by 17% in the first half of 2020 compared to the second half of 2019. Insecurity linked to ongoing armed conflicts has led to an increased number of people with trauma, that require specialized treatment. There is a lack of qualified professionals in mental health. This project will provide mental health infrastructures and services for 23,264 inhabitants of the health zone.

Solution

Coopera is building a mental health facility in a remote area of Kabare where there aren't appropriate services. The new center facilitates access to mental health services for communities and trains their psychologists to provide professional treatment. With the project, we are integrating mental health in the primary care services of Lwiro Hospital. The users will learn self-apply trauma techniques to reduce emotional pain and resilience skills to bounce back from adversity.

Long-Term Impact

In 2 years' time, Coopera aims to complete the construction of MUTIMA Psychosocial center. Fully equipped with 2,337 m2 and capacity to accommodate 60 people, 8 therapy rooms, and a training room. 8 psychologists, 15 doctors and nurses will be trained in mental health and psychosocial support in emergencies. It will provide individual therapy to 13,824 people and group therapy to 34,560 people per year. MUTIMA aims to be consolidated as the psychosocial reference center in Kivu South Province.