Report on – 33rd IC Resolution 2: Addressing mental health and psychosocial needs of people affected by armed conflicts, natural disasters and other emergencies (33IC/19/R2) – Malaysian Red Crescent Society

Has your State/National Society/Institution incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into the relevant strategic or operational plans?

The commitments are incorporated into:
Strategy
Operational plan

At the National level

Explanation:

Malaysian Red Crescent has incorporated the commitments contained in this resolution into our strategic 2030 and operational plans.

Highlighted Commitments:

Objective 3.2: The health and wellbeing of communities are protected and improved through access to sustainable, affordable, appropriate, and quality health services across the life course, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized communities.

MRC to meet the mental health and psychosocial support needs of the most vulnerable communities, as well as volunteers, youth and staff.
Objective 3.3: The health and dignity of the most vulnerable communities in emergencies are maintained by providing access to appropriate health services.

MRC to respond to mental health, psychosocial needs, and psychological first-aid support effectively during emergencies as well as in post-disaster situations to the most vulnerable communities.

Has your State/National Society/Institution been working with other partners to implement the commitments contained in this resolution?

Partner with:
National Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in your country
ICRC/IFRC
Other National Red Cross or Red Crescent Societies
Humanitarian and development partners (e.g. UN, NGOs etc.)

Examples of cooperation:

Malaysian Red Crescent actively collaborate with other National Societies and government agencies to implement the commitments contained in this resolution. For instance, MRC work closely with the Singapore Red Cross on capacity-building initiative, enhancing our ability to respond effectively to emergencies. Additionally, MRC work alongside the Welfare Department of Malaysia to provide Psychological First Aid (PFA) to individuals affected by disasters such as floods and landslides. This collaboration ensures that affected populations receive timely and appropriate mental health support during crises.

Furthermore, MRC work with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), receiving technical support from their Asia Pacific Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (AP MHPSS) Collaborative. An example of this partnership is the MHPSS Assessment Workshop conducted by the AP MHPSS Collaborative, which aims to integrate MHPSS into our disaster needs assessment tool.

In addition to these efforts, MRC partner with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to train more people in PFA, expanding the pool of trained personnel capable of providing crucial psychological support during emergencies. Our efforts also extend to providing comprehensive psychosocial support to children in affected communities, addressing their specific emotional and psychological needs in the aftermath of disasters. Through these collaborations and support efforts, MRC strive to build resilient communities and ensure a holistic approach to disaster response and recovery.

Have you encountered any challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution?

With challenges on:
Human resources
Funding constraints
Lack of capacity and/or support (technical, financial, or other)

Details about challenges:

MRC has encountered several challenges in implementing the commitments contained in this resolution. One of the primary obstacles is the limitation of human resources. At our National Headquarters (NHQ), there are only two individuals handling the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) programs, despite the numerous initiatives and programs that need to be conducted. This severely affects MRC’s capacity to manage and execute these programs effectively.

Additionally, MRC faces significant funding constraints that impede its ability to support various initiatives and programs. In Malaysia, securing funds for mental health initiatives is particularly challenging due to the prevalent stigma surrounding mental health issues. This stigma results in a lack of financial support for such programs, making it difficult for MRC to raise awareness and garner the necessary resources to provide adequate mental health services and support.

These challenges—limited human resources, funding constraints, and the stigma-related difficulties in securing financial support—significantly impact MRC’s ability to deliver comprehensive psychological support and capacity-building activities. Consequently, they limit the effectiveness of MRC’s response efforts and hinder its ability to fully implement the commitments contained in this resolution.

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the work and direction of your State/National Society/Institution?

Type of Impact:
Cooperation between Government/public authorities and National Society has been strengthened
Programming and operations have become more effective and efficient
Partnerships with other humanitarian actors have been created or enhanced
Training and capacity of staff and volunteers has increased (for National Societies)

Details about the impact:

The commitments contained in this resolution have had a significant impact on the work and direction of MRC.

Cooperation between the Malaysian government and public authorities with MRC has been strengthened. Through joint initiatives and coordinated efforts, we have been able to enhance our disaster response capabilities and ensure more comprehensive support for affected populations.

Our programming and operations have become more effective and efficient. The adoption of best practices and standardized procedures outlined in the resolution has enabled MRC to streamline its processes, improve resource allocation, and deliver timely assistance to those in need.

Moreover, partnerships with other humanitarian actors have been created or enhanced. By collaborating with NGOs, international organizations, and local community groups, MRC has expanded its reach and diversified its resources. These partnerships have facilitated a more holistic approach to humanitarian aid delivery and strengthened our collective response to emergencies.

Additionally, the training and capacity of MRC’s staff and volunteers have significantly increased. Through targeted training programs and capacity-building initiatives aligned with the resolution’s commitments, our personnel have gained valuable skills in disaster management, psychosocial support, and other critical areas. This has enhanced our readiness to respond effectively to emergencies and provide quality assistance to disaster-affected communities.

Overall, the commitments contained in this resolution have not only influenced but also positively transformed the work and direction of MRC. They have reinforced our partnerships, improved our operational efficiency, and empowered our workforce to better serve the Malaysian people during times of crisis.

Have the commitments contained in this resolution had an impact on the communities that your State/National Society/Institution serves?

Description of the impact:

The commitments outlined in the resolution have facilitated a notable increase in the provision of Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) services to individuals affected by natural disasters such as floods. Here are some specific impacts:

Increased Accessibility: More individuals affected by natural disasters now have access to
MHPSS services, including Psychological First Aid (PFA) and psychosocial activities
tailored to various age groups.

Targeted Support: The resolution has enabled our organization to implement targeted
interventions that address the specific mental health needs of different age groups within
affected communities.

Community Engagement: There has been a strengthened focus on community engagement
and participation in MHPSS activities, fostering a sense of resilience and support among
community members.

Capacity Building: Through the resolution’s framework, there has been ongoing capacity
building among local responders and volunteers, enhancing their ability to provide effective
MHPSS interventions during and after disasters.

Long-term Impact: These efforts are contributing to long-term resilience building within
communities, ensuring that individuals affected by floods have the necessary support to
recover and rebuild their lives.

Overall, the commitments outlined in the resolution have played a crucial role in expanding
and enhancing MHPSS services for flood-affected populations, thereby positively impacting
their mental well-being and overall community resilience.