Addressing Mental Health in Pakistan Along With Cultural Needs

By Mahmood Iqbal, August 31, 2010

“…psychological illnesses are growing among the flood victims. The schools are closed and the lack of recreational activities often leads to mental complications among the children.” - Dr. Sanam Rahim, International Medical Corps psychologist in Akora Khattak


“When stress converts to depression, it becomes a long-term process to cure. Early psychosocial counseling helps lower the stress and prevent the conversion into acute post-traumatic stress disorders.” - Dr. Sanam Rahim, International Medical Corps psychologist in Akora Khattak

To date, International Medical Corps’ psychosocial support staff has conducted individual and group sessions for approximately 920 individuals, including young children.

Full article with pictures here.

For Afghan Refugees in Pakistan, Floods Mean Starting Over in a Home Away From Home

Mahmood Iqbal, August 30, 2010

“Like all people in this sprawling settlement along the River Kabul, I have also lost to the waters everything which I could put together during the past 30 years,” Inayat, an Afghan refugee living in KPK who’s family lost their mud house to the flood waters

“We are on the ground responding to the immediate health care needs of the flood affected people through 18 mobile teams. We have been operating in the flood-hit areas since July 30 to cope with the calamity. Afghan refugees are also visiting our mobile clinics and should continue to seek our free services.” - Jehangir Ali Khan, International Medical Corps Country Director in Pakistan

Full article with pictures here.